Popular beliefs propelled gold to unjustifiably high prices, says Duke University professor Campbell Harvey, who co-wrote “The Golden Dilemma.” Campbell says the arguments to own gold do not hold up to scientific scrutiny and the “real” price of gold is still far below market levels.

Watch more Decoder episodes.

This year’s predominant flu strain is influenza A, H3N2, an especially nasty virus. Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, explains how it makes you sick and how you can avoid it.

Watch more Decoder episodes.

If defense analyst Todd Harrison is right, a staggering 791,000 Defense Department workers could be furloughed when sequestration —deep and immediate spending cuts — goes into effect in March. Harrison says the recent fiscal cliff deal in Congress actually makes these cuts more likely to happen.

Watch more Decoder episodes.

Chinese authorities may frown on superstitions, but lucky numbers have made a comeback — especially in business, where they’re believed to help lure customers or turn profits. Jane Lee reports.

Watch more Decoder episodes.

China could ease its one-child policy to address a rapidly aging population — but as Jane Lee reports, rules aren’t the only thing stopping Chinese families from expanding.

Watch more Decoder episodes.

Japan’s general election is over – with main opposition leader Shinzo Abe winning back the country’s top job. And these are the traits and policies that are likely to define his term.

Watch more Decoder episodes.

The fight between Asian commodities trader Olam and short-seller Muddy Waters is getting uglier by the minute. Is the best defense a strong offense? Reuters’ Jon Gordon investigates.

Watch more Decoder episodes.

Plenty of signs point to a rebound in the housing market. But dig deeper into the numbers and you’ll find a figure that causes serious concern for some observers – shadow inventory.

Watch more Decoder episodes.

The housing market may be showing some signs of recovery but many Americans are struggling with a new reality – buying a home is out of reach. Instead, they’re renting and they’ll likely do so for years to come. It’s a trend that’s rapidly pushing up rental prices across the country.

Watch more Decoder episodes.

A nascent Chinese investment boom and even American jobs are at stake if Sino-U.S. ties worsen further, following a damning congressional report on China’s top telecom equipment makers.

Watch more Decoder episodes.