Yeh I think the first drop was something to do with the Hunt bros. playing funny buggers with the silver, and after this interest rates were pumped through the roof. I'm sure some of the experts here could say that in a more detailed technical way.
Not being a financier in on the action, I don't know the full ins and outs of everything going on at the moment, but this bear sterns thing is crazy. I am most grateful for all the posters here allowing me to understand the fundamentals.
I have most of my meager savings in Goldmoney, not being comfortable with having expensive coins lying around my rented "btl" hovel. The service seems basically sound, it is entirely web based. It would be nice to receive some documentation from them- annual statement or something.