London (Platts)--15May2008

Gold and silver clearing statistics were lower across the board in April
compared with March levels, with measures in silver declining more steeply,
the London Bullion Market Association said Thursday.

Gold ounces transferred fell to a daily average of 21.1 million from 25.7
million, a decrease of 17.9%. Based on an average fixing of $909.70 -- nearly
$60 lower than March's average -- value fell to a daily average of $19.2
billion, while the number of transfers fell 21% to a daily average of 1,998.

But measured year on year, gold statistics were higher across the board,
the LBMA said. Ounces transferred rose 4.5%, value increased 40.2% and the
number of transfers increased 32.2%.

Ounces transferred in silver fell 23% month on month in April to a daily
average of 119.2 million. Based on an average fixing of $17.50 -- $2.00 lower
than the March average -- value fell to a daily average of $2.09 billion, and
the number of transfers fell 26% to a daily average of 500.

As was the case in gold, silver statistics were higher across the board
measured year on year, the LBMA said. Ounces transferred rose 12.8%, value
increased 44.1% and the number of transfers rose 12.1%.