You raise many interesting possibilities as usual.  Caution is a good thing.  However, Friday's market drops were not met with equal drops in the gold and mining sectors unlike in August.  The latter point has been expressed by other market analysts who believe that though a correction is likely, it won't affect all things to the same degree particularly mining stocks.  In all market conditions there are still stocks that seem to be immune to or less affected by the general market.  We have a perception that, in spite of periodic lulls in the market, there will be a long term need for the metals we mine and therefore there is greater stability in investing in these stocks as a hedge.  Many predict a bull run for some time to come minor corrections notwithstanding, but still .... it is certainly judicious to keep the eyes open for the unexpected.