It's a smart strategy that has helped to stabilize its currency, the ruble. And it will prove even more beneficial if China really is planning to create a gold-backed super-currency, as some speculate.

Russia is also selling off its US Treasuries. This is all part of Russia's (and its pal China's) plan to undermine the US dollar. Casey Research analyst Laurynas Vegys parsed the data, and he says the message is clear. "By offloading treasuries and loading up on gold, Russia is making an all-in bet against the US dollar, in favor of the yellow metal."

How to Invest in the Growing Field of "Persuasive Technology"

Have you ever played a "Freemium" game? You know, one of those iPhone games that's free to play, but asks you to pay to unlock the most fun features?

They're part of the growing field of "persuasive technology," where software employs psychological tricks to get users to take action—like giving the game developer their money.