Why ZIRP/NIRP Is Killing Fractional Reserve Banking & Forcing Deposits Into Gold

With historically low long-term interest rates, the opportunity cost of holding gold and silver are close to zero or even negative, in other words you would “lose” money if you buy bonds (the benchmark) instead of gold and silver. 

When people realize that their money is not “safe” with the banks they will start withdrawing cash from their accounts and buy physical gold and silver instead. Depending on circumstances this could possibly bring down the (fractional) banking system. 

Why keep money in an account that gives you a negative return? 

Swiss banks are already witnessing stronger than normal interest for physical gold .... http://www.zerohedge.com