When the world economy slumps - everyone suffers - pensions, house prices, work. The thrifty will manage, just, and the spendthrift will expect it all to be done for them.

Mind you gold will increase in "value" and it did by 13% last year - make of that what you will.

Crash is an emotive term - it only takes a small dip to become a big one. How much did Katrina cost in money terms - let alone the cultural devastation. Factor in a natural (Katrina was man assisted) disater like a Krakatoa and you will have crop failure world wide until the dust settles. The evidence for it is there if you look. The Thames freezing over in winter summer that never shone.