With eurogroup finance ministers talking tough and still no deal sealed with Greece by yesterday evening, investors are being warned of choppy waters ahead for markets in the coming days.

Cash-for-gold merchants are ripping off Irish consumers by offering them only a fifth of what their jewellery is worth, according to a major survey of cash-for-gold firms operating in Ireland by precious metal specialists Goldcore.

A MAJOR sign investors remain nervous came yesterday with news that gold struck record levels.

IF you have flogged all the gold you have, then you could be in luck because cash-for-silver companies are expected to start sprouting up around the country.

AFTER an eventful 2010 where gold prices rose by over $300 (€225) an ounce, the prospect for the coming year suggests the markets will see more of the same but possibly at a slower rate.

TRADING gold for cash can result in a loss of 75% in the value of jewellery.

Juno McEnroe explores the murky world of gold mining in Ghana and the part played by Irish investors, jewellers and their customers.

CLOSE to €12 billion has been wiped off the value of Irish shares in the past month as mounting bad debts, linked to the housing sector in the US, continues to destabilise the markets.