Post navigation A downgrade of U.S. debt shows that the government is less reliable, making gold an attractive safe haven. While gold prices have been volatile for the past few weeks, in the long run it might be wise to hold some gold. This is especially true for those who are concerned about the economic uncertainly a debt downgrade could bring. Tree-ring records show that the Medieval Warm Period (MWP) occurred in Europe around A.D. 1000-1400, however a new study suggests that this period was not a global phenomenon. Instead, researchers have found that the MWP was limited to the North Atlantic and Southwest Pacific, as opposed to areas like the Indian Ocean and Siberia. In conclusion, the MWP was apparent in certain areas of the world, but it lacked a global influence.