7.3.25 - The US Government's Incoming 'Debt Bomb'
Gold last traded at $3,326 an ounce. Silver at $36.85 an ounce.
EDITOR'S NOTE: It is no mystery how the US debt problem came to be. What is a mystery is what form of magic the government will use in an attempt to stop it. Here are a few things we might see happening in the immediate future.
Billionaire Ray Dalio Says US Government Will Be Forced To Deal With Incoming 'Debt Bomb' – Here's How -The Daily Hodl
Bridgewater Associates founder Ray Dalio says that America is going to be forced to deal with its soaring debt problem.
The billionaire tells his 1.7 million followers on the social media platform X that the US will likely lower interest rates and print money to address the nation’s ballooning debt obligations.
However, he warns that such measures are not very effective.
“When countries have too much debt, lowering interest rates and devaluing the currency that the debt is denominated in is the preferred path government policy makers are most likely to take, so it pays to bet on it happening. At the moment of my writing, we know that the projections are for big deficits and big increases in government debt and debt service expenses ahead…
I also shared last week why I believe the political system in the US won’t be able to get its debt problems under control. We know how debt service costs (paying back interest and principal) will grow rapidly to squeeze out spending, and we also know that, at best, it is highly doubtful that there will be an increase in demand for the debt commensurate with the supply that needs to be sold. I laid out in detail what I think the implications of all this are in ‘How Countries Go Broke,’ where I offer a description of the mechanics behind my thinking. Others have stress tested it, and thus far there has been almost total agreement that the picture I am painting is accurate.”
Dalio believes the US will eventually have to both cut spending and raise taxes to save itself from the looming fiscal crisis. READ MORE
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7.2.25 - Too Late To Buy Gold? Not Even Close
Gold last traded at $3,357 an ounce. Silver at $36.56 an ounce.
Historic US Dollar Downfall: Worst H1 Drop in 40 Years -Watcher.Guru
The dollar continues to get hammered in the global markets on volatility. Some experts feel this is a temporary blip, while others see this as the end of the greenback as we know it. Whichever outlook proves to be true, a portfolio hedged with gold will be better equipped to weather any storm to come.
by Loredana Harsana
The US dollar downfall has reached historic proportions, and it’s posting its worst first-half performance in nearly 40 years. Right now, the Dollar Index has plummeted over 10% year-to-date, creating massive foreign exchange volatility and triggering widespread USD devaluation effects across global markets. This unprecedented US dollar downfall represents the steepest decline since 1973, also causing severe market volatility risks and extensive global trade disruption that’s reshaping international finance as we know it.
The current US dollar downfall isn’t just another correction—it’s engineered a complete structural breakdown. At the time of writing, the US Dollar Index has crashed to 97 points, implementing an 11% collapse that represents the worst first-semester performance in decades. This foreign exchange volatility has established traders scrambling to understand market dynamics.
Barry Eichengreen, professor of economics at UC Berkeley, told CNN:
“The dynamics observed in the foreign exchange market are a direct reflection of a crisis of confidence in US fundamentals and the stability of its economic governance.”
Trump’s strategies have enacted the opposite effect, restructuring increased market volatility risks and regulating uncertainty around trade policies. Right now, it’s clear these expectations were completely wrong. READ MORE
Too Late To Buy Gold? Not Even Close... -ZeroHedge
Mr. Piepenburg believes gold's recent all-time high at $3500 was not peak gold, it was simply an early indicator of its trajectory. As he sees it, "gold’s role, price direction and days are only just beginning." Read on for his clear-headed reasoning.
Authored by Matthew Piepenburg via VonGreyerz.gold
Many are wondering if it’s too late to buy gold, that gold has peaked and they have missed their opportunity.
We hope the below series of facts, figures and common-sense reality-checks will put such fears squarely to rest, as gold’s role, price direction and days are only just beginning.
In a world of geopolitical tensions, can-kicking monetary fantasies, falling bombs, rising debt, discredited leadership, impotent summits, weaponized trade and a comically discredited media narrative, it’s hard to find a lighthouse in such fog.
Even with the world closest to the brink of nuclear war since the Cuban missile crisis, the markets, forever certain that a life-boat of mega liquidity is just one crisis away, churned Titanically forward with no ice berg fears.
VON GREYERZ advisor, Ronnie Stoeferle, sarcastically described the recent S&P, NASDAQ and NIVIDIA behavior as being almost like that of a Zen monk.
But there’s nothing “Zen” about these markets, times, currencies or financial systems. And there’s certainly nothing “Zen” about the once-sacred 10Y UST…
How do we know this? How have we always known this?
In short, what has been our lighthouse?
The answer is as simple as it timeless, indestructible, and honest: Gold. READ MORE
Records of 166,953 Americans Now at Risk – Health Care Firm Says Attacker May Have Exposed Names, Addresses, Social Security Numbers and More -The Daily Hodl
It seems as though nobody's personal data is safe these days. Private data is constantly exposed and now scammers are posing as bank employees in order to steal from Americans. A reminder to keep your wits about you and to monitor your credit and financial statements regularly.
by Mehron Rokhy
A Kentucky-based health care firm says a major cybersecurity incident may have exposed the personal information of more than a hundred thousand Americans.
The latest records from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services show that Central Kentucky Radiology (CKR) suffered a hacking/IT incident affecting 166,953 Americans.
In a notice, CKR says that an unknown attacker breached the firm’s systems, stealing patient data that may include names, Social Security numbers, addresses, dates of birth, dates of medical service and medical services charges.
“On October 18, 2024, CKR became aware of a network disruption in its environment. CKR immediately took steps to secure our systems and launched an investigation into the nature and scope of the event. The investigation determined that from October 16 to October 18, 2024, an unauthorized actor accessed and copied files from certain systems in its environment.
In response, CKR conducted a detailed review of the potentially impacted files to understand their content and to whom they relate. On May 7, 2025, CKR completed this review and determined that information related to you was contained in the potentially impacted files.” READ MORE
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7.1.25 - Bank Suddenly Shut Down by US Regulators
Gold last traded at $3,339 an ounce. Silver at $36.04 an ounce.
EDITOR'S NOTE: We now have the second bank failure of 2025, this one due to suspected fraud by the lender. Regulators have stepped in to sort out the details, as some depositors wait to see whether or not they will receive protection from the FDIC.
Bank Suddenly Shut Down by US Regulators in Second Bank Failure of 2025 -The Daily Hodl
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) just announced the second bank failure of 2025.
Regulators say The Santa Anna National Bank has been shut down – and foul play at the small Texas lender is suspected.
The FDIC has not disclosed the nature of the suspected fraud, and the agency is not sure whether customers with uninsured deposits will be reimbursed.
“Once further information is available, the FDIC will consider whether to provide uninsured depositors an advance dividend (i.e. access to a portion of their uninsured funds) and will provide more information at that time…
Suspected fraud contributed to the failure of the bank and estimated cost to the Deposit Insurance Fund (DIF).”
The bank has reported $53.8 million in total deposits, and the FDIC says about $2.8 million of those deposits exceed its insurance limits at time of publishing.
The first bank failure of 2025 happened in January, when regulators shuttered Pulaski Savings Bank in Chicago, Illinois.
The FDIC Office of Inspector General later said the lender collapsed because it had $20.7 million in deposit liabilities that were unaccounted for, which left the bank critically undercapitalized. READ MORE
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6.30.25 - Abbott Signs Gold & Silver Legal Tender Law
Gold last traded at $3,304 an ounce. Silver at $36.13 an ounce.
EDITOR'S NOTE: While this move may prove more symbolic than substantive, it's an important part of the discussion regarding the future of American currency. As the dollar further declines, businesses may be more apt to adopt tried and true alternatives.
Texas Governor Abbott Signs Gold & Silver Legal Tender Law -Watcher.Guru
by Loredana Harsana
Texas has made gold and silver legal tender through new legislation signed by Governor Greg Abbott on June 29, 2025. The groundbreaking law allows residents to use precious metals for everyday purchases, and it’s creating quite a buzz in financial circles right now. This makes Texas one of the few states where gold and silver transactions are officially recognized for daily commerce.
What’s particularly interesting is that the legislation has structured merchant participation as completely voluntary, which means we’ll likely see a patchwork of adoption spearheaded across different businesses and regions throughout Texas. Some businesses might embrace silver as legal tender in Texas through certain critical operational changes, while others may stick with traditional payment methods across numerous significant transaction areas.
The legislation has revolutionized Abbott‘s conservative fiscal policies and his long-standing support for integrating precious metals into various major financial frameworks. Right now, the law doesn’t impose any immediate funding requirements across several key implementation areas, and the specifics of how it will actually function in practice remain somewhat uncertain. READ MORE
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6.27.25 - Has the Dollar become 'Toxic'?
Gold last traded at $3,270 an ounce. Silver at $35.94 an ounce.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Is the de-dollarization movement forever changing the global marketplace? A Russian economist is calling the dollar "toxic". Others have referred to it as politically weaponized. Now matter what one labels it, there is no denying the scramble for alternate currencies—for trade and for reserve assets—is fast making the dollar a relic in the worldwide economy.
De-Dollarization Accelerates As US Dollar Becomes 'Toxic', Expert Warns
by Loredana Harsana
The US dollar has become increasingly toxic in global markets, and this reality is forcing countries around the world to seriously rethink their financial strategies right now. One of the most prominent economists in Russia has said that the dollar is now weaponized to the extent that global countries are scurrying around to seek alternative options and that this is already transforming foreign exchange reserves and currency diversification policies as well as global trade patterns in a manner and extent never experienced in the past.
Sergey Glazyev, commissioner at the Eurasian Economic Union and a commissioner of integration and macroeconomics is not beating around the bush in voicing his opinion about how bad Western currencies are doing at the present time. His evaluation has led to main discussions and also one that is an eye opener to anyone following money power in the world.
The only IMF reserve currency that is finally not politically toxic is the yuan. Quite the contrary, mistrust is the main issue of Western currencies like the US dollar, the euro, the pound, and the yen.
These are the weapons of a political war, Glazyev told an interview at the Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies. Many economists have been quietly discussing this profiling of the US dollar as a poison – that the dollar myth of being a neutral global currency has been tarnished and that nations are starting to reward major strategic measures. READ MORE
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6.26.25 - Central banks turn to gold over the dollar
Gold last traded at $3,324 an ounce. Silver at $36.66 an ounce.
EDITOR'S NOTE: This article points out how, 'a year must feel like a decade' to the investing public, given the volatility in today's markets. I think that assessment is spot on. It also takes a good look at what central banks are doing, which is accumulating more gold.
Central banks turn to gold over the dollar -OMFIF.org
by Nikhil Sanghani
A year must feel like a decade for public investors. Last year, our annual Global Public Investor survey showed the dollar was the most in-demand currency for reserve managers. Having recouped earlier losses, many were also willing to add risk to their portfolios. Fast forward 12 months and the script has flipped. Now there are growing questions over the dollar’s dominance in portfolios and public investors are seeking safe-haven assets.
OMFIF’s Global Public Investor has tracked central bank reserve managers’ investment strategies since its inception in 2014. In the first edition of the report, we wrote that ‘diversification into different sectoral and geographical categories is increasing’ owing to ‘sub-optimal returns from traditional currencies and instruments’ in a low interest rate environment.
For central banks, particularly those with growing reserves, there was appetite to move into higher-yielding currencies and riskier asset classes such as corporate bonds or equities. ‘Some official managers have reduced gold holdings to generate more balanced portfolios,’ we noted, adding that others were increasing gold weightings for the same reason.
Over a decade later, this year’s GPI report, based on a survey of 75 central banks, shows the appetite for diversification continues. But for very different reasons. The foundations of the global economic order, underpinned by globalisation and the dollar, are shaking.
Protectionism, geopolitical tensions and volatile policy-making are becoming norms. In this environment, close to 60% of surveyed central banks are seeking to diversify their portfolios within the next two years (Figure 1). This is primarily for risk management and resilience purposes, beyond bolstering returns.
Conducted from March to May this year, the survey revealed that 96% of reserve managers view US tariffs as a major geopolitical concern. This is not a temporary consideration: over 80% of reserve managers have geopolitics in their top three factors shaping longer-term investment decisions, ahead of inflation, real interest rates and technological change. READ MORE
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6.25.25 - Why Gold Makes Sense for Long-Term Investors
Gold last traded at $3,333 an ounce. Silver at $36.25 an ounce.
Currency News: Chinese Yuan Emerges as Top Threat to US Dollar Power -Watcher.Guru
The dollar is being dethroned; in large part due to the de-dollarization efforts spearheaded by the BRICS alliance. If the dollar is usurped, which currency will claim the throne? Currently at the top of the list, is the Chinese Yuan.
by Juhi Mirza
As the world rapidly embraces new financial orders and development packaged in the guise of a multipolar currency system, the US dollar is now standing in a questionable position. The dollar has weakened significantly, shedding nearly 10% of its value in the past year. That being said, a weak dollar is considered a vulnerable dollar and is now attracting credible foes that could derail its plan. The process of displacing the dollar has already begun, with the Chinese Yuan standing at the forefront of this very change. Can the yuan truly help accelerate the dollar’s decay? Let’s find out.
As the US dollar weakens due to an array of external forces, including Trump’s tariff stance and rising geopolitical tensions, China is leaving no stone unturned to capitalize on the aforementioned development. China is now using all its strength to bolster the internationalization of the Chinese Yuan by attracting more foreign investor attention towards its currency.
Pan Gongsheng, the governor of the People’s Bank of China, recently shared his opinion on promoting a multipolar currency order. Gongsheng was clear about his intent, adding how the world should move away from the dollar or the idea of relying on a singular currency for the long term. READ MORE
Why Gold Makes Sense for Long-Term Investors -Investing Haven
Gold's stability has shone for millennia. Its recent gains have proven, yet again, why it always has a place in every investor's portfolio. If you're wondering why its upward trajectory may continue, here are some reasons.
Gold remains a reliable long-term asset, offering inflation protection, diversification, and resilience amid global debt and market uncertainty. Analysts expect prices to rise further, with opportunities even during potential pullbacks.
In 2025, gold has once again proven its staying power as a trusted store of value. With prices surging nearly 30% year-to-date to hover around $3,400 per ounce, investors are paying close attention.
While gold often grabs headlines during crises, its true value lies in how it supports a long-term investment strategy—offering diversification, inflation protection, and a shield against systemic risks.
Here are some reasons why Gold is perfect for long-term investments. READ MORE
A Massive US Bank Is Now Freezing Money and Closing Accounts Per Reports -FrankNez.com
Banks are at it again ... freezing and closing accounts inexplicably. It had quieted down over the last several months, but seems to be making a comeback.
In recent years, a troubling trend has emerged among major U.S. banks, including JPMorgan Chase, where customer accounts are abruptly closed without clear explanation, leaving individuals and businesses scrambling to regain access to their funds.
One high-profile case, reported by The U.S. Sun, detailed the ordeal of Brian Adesman, a 32-year-old California attorney whose personal, business, and client trust accounts were shuttered by Chase, resulting in the loss of over $185,000 and severe personal and financial consequences.
Brian Adesman, a former Chase customer of over a decade, filed a lawsuit in California alleging that Chase Bank closed his accounts in early 2024 without notice or explanation, withholding $185,649 from his business account and funds from his personal and client trust accounts.
According to court documents, Adesman was promised a cashier’s check for his business account funds within 10 business days, but the check never arrived.
The closure led to a cascade of financial difficulties, including a collapsed credit score, canceled wedding plans, and forced relocation to a caravan. READ MORE
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6.24.25 - BofA sees $4,000 gold price on US debt concerns
Gold last traded at $3,322 an ounce. Silver at $35.94 an ounce.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Many people are of the belief that global unrest is what caused gold prices to skyrocket. In reality, there's a bigger threat than war to our economy; our debt! That debt is aggressively moving toward an uncontrollable level, and that's what is creating the launching pad for record gold prices.
BofA sees $4,000 gold price on US debt concerns, not war -Mining.com
Analysts at Bank of America (BofA) see gold prices reaching $4,000 an ounce — an 18% jump above current levels — within the next year due to a ballooning US fiscal debt.
Gold — traditionally viewed as a safe haven during times of uncertainty — has risen by nearly 30% this year, driven by high global trade tensions and rising geopolitical risks.
In April, the yellow metal soared to an all-time high of $3,500 as an unprecedented tariff war ignited by the US rocked the global markets. A dragged-out US-Ukraine deal also did little to assuage investor concerns.
Contrary to popular opinion, another potential rally to $4,000 may have less to do with these factors, but more to do with US debt, BofA analysts say.
In a note published Friday, the analysts explained that wars and geopolitical conflicts typically “aren’t long-term growth drivers” for gold prices, pointing to the 2% dip in the metal’s prices since Israel began its airstrikes on Iran a week ago.
According to the bank’s analysts, the Israel-Iran conflict has drawn attention away from US President Donald Trump’s sprawling tax-and-spending bill that’s making its way through Congress. If passed, the bill is expected to add trillions of dollars in deficits in the coming years, raising concerns about the sustainability of US debts and the future status of the dollar.
“While the war between Israel and Iran can always escalate, conflicts are not usually a sustained bullish price driver,” they wrote. “As such, the trajectory of the US budget negotiations will be critical, and if fiscal shortfalls don’t decline, the fallout from that plus market volatility may end up attracting more buyers.” READ MORE
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6.23.25 - Survey Shows Global Faith in US Dollar Is Crumbling
Gold last traded at $3,369 an ounce. Silver at $36.15 an ounce.
EDITOR'S NOTE: According to a recent Bloomberg survey, global confidence in the US dollar is plummeting. It is doing so at the rate of just under 10 percent per year - in terms of lost value - which would give it about a 30 year lifespan before it hits zero. As this author cites, the chances of it only declining a mere 10 percent per year is implausible, given current circumstances.
Survey Shows Global Faith in US Dollar Is Crumbling -Watcher.Guru
by Juhi Mirza
A new survey shows how the world is now becoming increasingly disconnected from the US dollar. A Bloomberg survey has revealed staggering USD details, adding how the trend of de-dollarization is spreading like wildfire, putting the American currency in grave jeopardy. In response to this, the survey reveals how the world continues to think that the US dollar is bound to fall amid heightened scrutiny and speculation, the Bloomberg Pulse survey reveals.
According to Bloomberg’s pulse survey data, a “little more than half of 251” respondents think that the USD may continue to reign supreme. However, the remaining respondents have revealed how the current geopolitical uncertainty is pushing them to believe that the US dollar is undergoing a downward spiral. The latest survey further stated that half of the respondents are of the view that the USD may continue to fall in the future, plummeting to new lows amid tightened market policies and pressure.
“While we expect further dollar weakness, investors now perceive more two-way risks. Some argue the depreciation may be overdone, especially given resilient US asset returns.” Goldman Sachs Group Inc. strategists, including Christian Mueller-Glissmann and Michael Cahill, wrote in a note to clients.
In addition to this, Invesco Ltd. Senior Portfolio Manager Kristina stated how a weak dollar is currently a development that the world has to deal with.
“A weaker dollar is here to stay.” Kristina later shared. READ MORE
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6.20.25 - Central banks see further gold accumulation
Gold last traded at $3,367 an ounce. Silver at $36.00 an ounce.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Not only are Central Banks continuing to buy gold, many of them plan to increase their holdings above their currently set percentages. This move is an attempt to hedge against the swirl of economic factors they believe will negatively impact the global economy.
Central banks see further gold accumulation, de-dollarization: WGC survey -Mining.com
Central banks around the world continue to hold favourable expectations for gold, with most looking to add to their reserves over the coming months and even years, an annual survey by the World Gold Council (WGC) showed.
Central banks have been aggressively buying gold, accumulating over 1,000 tonnes in each of the past three years versus an average of 400-500 tonnes in the preceding decade.
These purchases coincided with a blistering gold rally during that period, which saw prices nearly doubling from around $1,800/oz. to the current $3,400 level. This year alone, gold has gained more than 26% and set multiple records, including a new high of $3,500 in mid-April.
Driving the acceleration in central bank purchases and soaring gold prices was an unstable geopolitical landscape — beginning with Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022 — that clouded the overall economic outlook.
The new WGC survey sheds light on central banks' decision-making process during turbulent times. READ MORE
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6.19.25 - Foreign central banks are shrinking US asset exposure
Gold last traded at $3,370 an ounce. Silver at $36.40 an ounce.
EDITOR'S NOTE: If you have read this newsletter for some time now, you know central banks have been gobbling up gold in recent years. Now, some of these same banks are also actively backing away from US (read: dollar-denominated) assets; this is an anomaly considering there is typically a demand for treasury holdings when the dollar is faltering. This points to an "official sector diversification away from dollar holdings" for many central banks. Very bad news for the buck.
Foreign central banks are shrinking US asset exposure -Reuters
by Jamie McGeever
As debate rages around 'de-dollarization' and the world's appetite for dollar-denominated assets, one major cohort of overseas investors appears to be quietly backing away from U.S. securities: central banks.
That's the conclusion to be drawn from the New York Fed's latest 'custody' data, which shows a steady decline in the value of Treasuries and other U.S. securities held on behalf of foreign central banks.
There are many ways to gauge foreign demand for U.S. assets, and they often send conflicting signals. Moreover, the broadest and most accurate measures, like U.S. Treasury International Capital (TIC) or the International Monetary Fund's 'Cofer' FX reserves data, come with a long lag of two months or more.
The New York Fed custody holdings figures are weekly, which is as 'real time' as it gets in the world of central bank flows.
These figures last week showed that the value of U.S. Treasuries held at the New York Fed on behalf of foreign central banks fell to $2.88 trillion. That's the lowest since January, and the $17.1 billion decline was also the biggest fall since January.
It's not easy to get a firm handle on the exact composition of central banks' dollar-denominated assets, which are worth trillions and are spread across multiple sectors, jurisdictions and continents. This is why different cuts of central bank data can tell different stories. READ MORE
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6.18.25 - China Grants 53 Countries Tariff-Free BRICS Market Access
Gold last traded at $3,371 an ounce. Silver at $36.75 an ounce.
$3,000,000,000,000 Bank Says It’s Being Attacked ‘All the Time’ by Hackers, With Cybersecurity Now Lender’s Biggest Expense -The Daily Hodl
You may have heard the expression 'crime pays'. In this article you will see that crime actually costs. The cost, in this case, is what banks must spend to fend off cyber-criminals. Yet another example of the vulnerabilities ever present in our financial system.
by Conor Devitt
The British banking giant HSBC is being attacked “all the time” by cybercriminals, according to the firm’s chief executive.
The $3 trillion bank’s CEO Ian Stuart spoke to United Kingdom lawmakers last month about the threat, according to a new report in The Guardian.
“The amount of money [that] banks, all of us, will be spending on our systems is enormous today. And it has to be. We are being attacked all the time.”
Stuart reportedly said cybersecurity is now HSBC’s biggest expense, with the bank spending hundreds of millions of pounds to prevent hacks.
EY reports that banks are expecting to use 11% of their IT budgets on cybersecurity this year, according to the Guardian.
It’s not just a UK problem: A 2024 study from consumer insights and analytics firm J.D. Power indicated 29% of US bank customers and 22% of credit card users – at banks like Wells Fargo, Bank of America and Goldman Sachs – experienced fraudulent activity on their accounts in the past 12 months. READ MORE
China Grants 53 Countries Tariff-Free BRICS Market Access -Watcher.Guru
China is getting more and more accommodating to nations interested in tariff-free BRICS market access. These efforts have been providing greater strength for various currencies throughout the world, all the while continuing to chip away at the US dollar.
by Vinod Dsouza
BRICS member China is negotiating a new economic deal with 53 African countries that will eliminate all tariffs and give special market access. The latest development could significantly benefit all the least developed countries (LDCs) in Africa and boost their respective economies. “China is ready to welcome quality products from Africa to the Chinese market”, said the Foreign Ministry.
The duty-free market access to BRICS member China could make African countries rewrite policies that benefit the two nations. The Xi Jinping administration is leveraging the dissatisfaction with Trump’s policies and is pulling emerging economies into its fold. The new Pew Research Center report shows that 66% of countries have no confidence in Trump’s global policies. Only 24 countries show confidence in Trump and trust him to “do the right thing in world affairs.”
China knows that a handful of countries from Africa are part of the BRICS bloc including ‘partner countries’. South Africa, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Uganda, and to an extent Egypt are all a part of the same region. “It enables middle-income countries like Kenya, South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt, and Morocco to be able to now enter the Chinese market duty-free,” said Hannah Ryder, founder of Africa-focused consultancy Development Reimagined to Reuters. READ MORE
Goldman Sachs Says US Experiencing Disinflation if Not for Tariffs, Predicts Federal Reserve Cutting Rates Later This Year – Here’s When -The Daily Hodl
It's been a few weeks since the buzz surrounding inflation and interest rates, but rest assured the situation is still a hot topic in need of addressing. Goldman Sachs has come out with what they are expecting to see later this year; they may just be right.
Goldman Sachs vice chairman Robert Kaplan thinks the US economy would be in a deflationary situation right now if not for President Donald Trump’s wave of tariffs.
Kaplan, the former president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, tells CNBC in a new interview that recent inflation numbers suggest the possibility of rate cuts later this year.
We’re in a disinflating world, and I think if it weren’t for these prospective tariffs that will flow through and are flowing through, I think the Fed would be on their front foot to be looking to cut rates now.”
Inflation rose by 2.4% in May, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That was slightly less than the 2.5% increase predicted by economists.
Kaplan notes that the Fed will watch to see where the tariffs are set in the next several weeks and how they flow through the economy.
“I think if I were at the Fed, it would encourage me that, after we get over the horizon, maybe the tariff impact could be more muted than I fear.” READ MORE
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6.17.25 - Time for Major Leg Up in Silver Prices
Gold last traded at $3,384 an ounce. Silver at $37.13 an ounce.
EDITOR'S NOTE: The price of silver is getting ready to take off; this according to a veteran cryptocurrency trader and analyst. It's not at all surprising to hear this from him, as it is a forecast echoed by many over the last several months. He believes a 20% jump up in price could be right around the corner.
Time for Major Leg Up in Silver Prices, According to Veteran Trader – Here’s His Price Targets
A widely followed cryptocurrency analyst and trader says silver is about to have a massive breakout.
The analyst pseudonymously known as Bluntz tells his 320,800 followers on the social media platform X that silver may start to outshine gold, which has been hitting new all-time highs.
“Silver gearing up for the next major leg up in my opinion, gold probs about to take a backseat for a bit as gold-to-silver ratio starting diverge heavily again on low timeframes.”
Bluntz practices Elliott Wave theory, which states that a bullish asset tends to go through a five-wave move up before an ABC correction. Based on the trader’s chart, he appears to suggest that silver is in the process of its third-wave surge. He predicts silver may reach the $40 level, then have a slight correction before soaring to around $43.
Bluntz also says other indications of a silver breakout include the possible formation of a bullish inverse head-and-shoulders (IHS) pattern against the S&P 500 (XAG/SPX) on the monthly chart.
Four months later and now silver is also on the cusp of the same massive breakout against equities. Four year IHS breakout brewing with volume increasing substantially in the breakout. Multiple extremely high timeframe bull divergence. Decade-long downtrend broken.” READ MORE
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6.16.25 - New Currency Steals the US Dollar's 'Crown'
Gold last traded at $3,388 an ounce. Silver at $36.32 an ounce.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Another currency is taking a bite out of the US dollar. This time it's a couple of "crowns". Scandinavian currencies have been on the rise, as the dollar continues its downward spiral; with no slowdown in sight.
New Currency Steals the US Dollar’s ‘Crown’ in 2025
by Vinod Dsouza
In the latest development, Scandinavian crown currencies have emerged as star performers, outperforming the US dollar by 16.74% in 2025. The Swedish crown is up 15%, delivering its best-ever performance against the USD in over 50 years. Norway’s crown is also up 13% against the greenback, its highest since 2008.
Not just the US dollar, the Swedish crown is up 4.5% against the euro and Norway’s crown surged 2% against the euro. Both the US dollar and the euro are losing their ‘crown’ to the Scandinavian currencies this year. Institutional funds are mostly moving abroad as clients perceive the US markets as volatile due to recent policy changes.
The crown (krona) is an English translation of the Scandinavian currencies used in Sweden, Norway, and Denmark. It is also used in the Faroe Islands, Greenland, Iceland, and the Czech Republic. Sweden is expected to cut interest rates this month and the move could bolster the crown further vs the US dollar.
The US dollar has slipped to its lowest in three years as the DXY index touched the 97 to 98 range. Leading local currencies are strengthening in the charts as the USD is slipping in the currency markets. The USD is no longer considered a safe haven as the interest has turned solidly into gold. READ MORE
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6.13.25 - Why Gold and S&P 500 Are Rallying in Tandem
Gold last traded at $3,429 an ounce. Silver at $36.23 an ounce.
EDITOR'S NOTE: While the parallel climb of gold and stocks is rare, it speaks to mindset of the average investor in 2025, "chasing growth while guarding against geopolitical tensions, inflation, fiscal imbalances, and dollar weakness." Read on to see what's next for both markets.
The Unusual Bull: Why Gold and the S&P 500 Are Rallying in Tandem -Investing Haven
Gold and the S&P 500 are rallying together. This reflects investor optimism tempered by macro uncertainty and central bank support.
Mid-2025 has witnessed a rare market phenomenon: gold, typically a defensive asset, and the S&P 500, a growth barometer, both pushing toward record highs. This unusual co-movement reflects a deeply balanced market where investor optimism is matched by underlying caution.
Equities have surged on the back of solid economic data and big-tech optimism. The S&P 500 is hovering around 6,020, less than 2.3% below its all-time high of 6,144.15, supported by strong jobs numbers and improved U.S.–China trade sentiment.
Concurrently, gold has soared nearly 27% year-to-date, trading just 2.1% shy of its April record. Investors are “eating salad and dessert at the same time” — chasing growth while guarding against geopolitical tensions, inflation, fiscal imbalances, and dollar weakness.
Institutional flows are reinforcing this dual rally. Central banks are on track to buy around 1,000 metric tons of gold this year—marking a fourth consecutive year of heavy accumulation, according to Reuters. Meanwhile, gold ETFs, despite holdings still trailing post-2020 levels, have seen renewed inflows, reinforcing a new price floor above $3,000/oz.
Technically, gold recently broke resistance in the $3,300–3,350 range, sitting well above its 200-day moving average, while the S&P’s RSI suggests elevated momentum. Historically, such elevated indicators often signal short-term consolidation risks—especially when growth and risk aversion coexist.
A base-case scenario sees both markets coexisting: equities could crest at 6,500, while gold holds between $3,100–$3,500. Upside surprises—like renewed fiscal stress or inflation—could push gold toward $3,700–$4,000, whereas a hawkish Fed could reverse the correlation, sending equities lower even as gold remains a safety anchor. READ MORE
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6.12.25 - Gold Gains on Middle East Tensions, Trump Tariffs
Gold last traded at $3,386 an ounce. Silver at $36.28 an ounce.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Gold continues to capture the attention of investors, as global tensions persist. These tensions are proving to be very beneficial to gold owners, especially given this uncertainty is expected to remain in the markets for some time to come.
Gold Gains as Traders Weigh Middle East Tensions, Trump Tariffs -Yahoo! Finance
by Yvonne Yue Li and Jack Ryan
(Bloomberg) -- Gold rose after another soft inflation report bolstered bets that the Federal Reserve may need to cut interest rates later this year.
US producer price inflation remained muted in May across the board, another sign that tariffs have yet to result in higher prices for consumers and businesses. Meanwhile, a jobs report showed recurring applications for US unemployment benefits rose to the highest since the end of 2021, adding to evidence that it is taking unemployed Americans longer to find a new job.
Treasury yields and the dollar pushed lower after the prints, lifting bullion by as much as 1.1% before paring some of the gains. Traders boosted their bets on rate cuts by the US central bank later this year. Gold typically benefits in a lower-rate environment.
Gold earlier was supported by haven demand following a CBS report that Israel was ready to launch an operation aimed at Iran, prompting the US to move some embassy staff out of Iraq and allowing military families to leave the region. READ MORE
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6.10.25 - Wells Fargo employee steals close to $1M
Gold last traded at $3,322 an ounce. Silver at $36.57 an ounce.
EDITOR'S NOTE: We have covered hundreds of banking stories over the years, and we are often amazed at the many ways banks lack oversight in the simplest terms. How was a bank employee, who was responsible for filling the ATMs, skimming cash off the top for almost two years without anyone noticing?
$947,000 Allegedly Stolen From Wells Fargo ATM Machines As Employee Scrambles To Cover Trading Losses: Report -The Daily Hodl
A former Wells Fargo employee in California is reportedly facing charges over allegations he stole $947,000 from the bank’s ATM machines during a span of nearly two years.
In a new report in the San Francisco Chronicle, Tamim Ghulam Haidar, the former Wells Fargo Union City branch operations associate manager, is accused of putting less money into the bank’s ATMs than he reported and pocketing the difference for his own use.
Haidar allegedly deposited the ill-gotten gains he is accused of “knowingly and intentionally” embezzling into his own bank accounts or those he controlled and used the funds to cover losses that “he incurred while trading in the foreign currency markets,” according to legal documents filed in the U.S. District Court Northern District of California.
Haidar allegedly committed the crimes from February 2021 to October 2022.
Prosecutors accuse Haidar of sometimes using other bank employees’ credentials to deposit cash in the ATM to “conceal the fact he was inputting false and inflated dollar amounts.” READ MORE
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6.9.25 - The Truth About Fort Knox
Gold last traded at $3,325 an ounce. Silver at $36.75 an ounce.
EDITOR'S NOTE: It looks like the presidential field trip to Fort Knox has been cancelled. But why? The biggest reason may be that most of the gold is potentially leased. How does that impact the reserves and the large investment banks with huge positions in gold? Read on to find out, but as Mr. Rickards concludes, "for the rest of us, the solution to this problem is simple – buy gold."
The Truth About Fort Knox and Gold Leasing -Daily Reckoning
by James Rickards
Whatever happened to the Donald Trump and Elon Musk visit to Fort Knox?
You’ll recall the buzz from earlier this year. Trump and Musk loudly announced they were going to visit the U.S. bullion depository at Fort Knox, Kentucky to make sure the U.S. gold was actually there. The press was invited to tag along. Musk claimed that his DOGE team was ready to “audit” the gold bars to see that there were none missing. I had my own views on the announcement (described below) but I certainly agreed this would be the mother of all photo ops.
For the record, the U.S. Treasury holds 8,133.5 metric tonnes of gold in the U.S. reserve position. Slightly less than half of this gold is stored in Fort Knox. The remainder is mostly stored in a secure vault at West Point, New York. The exact location of that vault is classified although I happen to know where it is. A small amount is held at the Denver Mint for coinage purposes. Legally the U.S. Treasury owns the gold reserve, but I point out that the U.S. Army actually controls it since almost all of the gold is stored on two Army bases – Fort Knox and West Point.
None of this nuance about storage and location deterred Trump and Musk. In the popular imagination, all of the gold is in Fort Knox. That’s where they were headed to prove once and for all that the gold was actually there. Elon Musk planned to livestream the entire visit using his Starlink satellite system. Trump vaguely threatened that if any gold were missing, there would be disastrous consequences for any wrongdoers who removed it. The plot was set. The drama seemed irresistible. READ MORE
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6.6.25 - Silver jumps to highest level in 13 years
Gold last traded at $3,319 an ounce. Silver at $36.00 an ounce.
EDITOR'S NOTE: As predicted, silver is making some major moves. With the asset now up over 20% year to date, will it follow the same trajectory as gold? Demand is high enough to see it shine just as brightly.
Silver jumps to highest level in 13 years, following gold’s 2025 rally -CNBC
by Jesse Pound
The price of silver moved sharply higher Thursday morning and hit its highest level in more than a decade.
Silver futures rose as high as $36.27 per troy ounce on Thursday, notching the highest price for the metal since early 2012. Silver futures were last up more than 3% on the day at $35.81 per troy ounce.
Silver has been a high-performing asset in 2025 and is now up more than 20% year to date. That is still lagging the move in gold, however, which has jumped about 28%. The price of gold was down slightly on Thursday, meaning silver’s rally closed some of the gap between the two.
Silver has industrial uses, including in solar panels, and is also seen by some investors as a defensive precious metal, similar to gold. A recent survey from the Silver Institute estimated that the supply of silver was about 15% lower than demand in 2024 and projected another deficit in 2025. READ MORE
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6.5.25 - Could Gold Hit $4,000?
Gold last traded at $3,354 an ounce. Silver at $35.67 an ounce.
EDITOR'S NOTE: As price predictions for gold keep rising, UBS is also warning its clients to limit their dollar exposure and has suggested a basket of other investments, including precious metals. Will the dollar weaken enough to see $4000/oz. gold?
Gold Could Hit $4,000 as U.S. Dollar Weakens, Experts Warn -Watcher Guru
by Vladimir Popescu
Gold price forecast models are pointing toward $4,000 per ounce as the U.S. dollar continues its decline, according to leading market strategists. This gold price prediction reflects mounting concerns over US dollar weakness, accelerating dedollarisation trends, and sustained central bank gold demand driving precious metal prices to historic levels.
The gold price forecast from State Street Global Advisors suggests unprecedented gains ahead, with bullion already reaching record $3,500 per ounce in late April. Current spot prices hover around $3,370 per ounce as investors pile into the precious metal amid trade uncertainty.
State Street Global Advisors gold strategy head Aakash Doshi had this to say:
“The early days of the Trump administration have corresponded with heightened US economic uncertainty, consumer anxiety, and a weaker US dollar, buttressing investor demand for gold as a tail risk and geoeconomic hedge.” READ MORE
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6.4.25 - Is De-Dollarization Winning?
Gold last traded at $3,374 an ounce. Silver at $34.53 an ounce.
Gold Soars When Sh*t Hits the Fan - Daily Reckoning
Forgive the title, but there's probably no better way of putting it. Historically, gold has performed best when things get bad. The unfortunate part is, there's probably a whole lot of it about to hit that fan.
by Adam Sharp
After a disturbing weekend where the world flirted with WW3, gold and silver flew higher on Monday.
Silver stood out, popping nearly 5%, with the largest silver miner ETF (SIL) rising more than 6%. Spot gold rose mildly, but gold miners jumped by about 5%.
This is the strange part of being a gold/silver bug. Bad news can be great for your portfolio.
It’s important to maintain the right state of mind. We do not root for bad events to happen, we prepare for them.
In this case, gold and silver are soaring due to a combination of factors: READ MORE
US Dollar Is Down 8.9% In A Year: Is De-Dollarization Winning?- Watcher.Guru
In a word, yes; at least in my opinion. And it doesn't appear I am alone in this sentiment.
by Juhi Mirza
The US dollar is suffering gravely at the moment, hitting its lowest in terms of its valuation and worth. The currency evolution has hit USD hard, with Trump’s fierce tariff policies adding more to the rising de-dollarization narratives. That being said, the US dollar is now losing its prestige gradually, shedding value, and at the same time, documenting a pivot of investors and countries dumping the US dollar for other alternatives. If this development continues, will the US dollar be able to survive it all and live to tell the tale?
Per a recent post by Koyfin Charts, the US dollar is currently down 8.9% in a year, which is a depressing development to document at the moment. The currency has lately been hit from all sides, battered by Trump’s tariffs that have partially revived the de-dollarization agenda. Trump’s tariff policies have lately been trying to revamp the US economy. While Trump’s sole intent has been dedicated towards bolstering the US economy via tariffs, these tariffs have taken another direction, sparking the ominous trade war fears in hindsight.
The American currency’s low price explorations have led several analysts to come up with their own predictions. A notable analyst, Otavio Costa, shared how the USD’s spiralling performance is poised to decay further in the future. READ MORE
Comparative Analysis: Gold vs. Silver Investment Opportunities in Mid-2025 -Investing Haven
This is an interesting read as it looks at the benefits of investing in gold compared to the benefits of investing in silver. Spoiler alert: there are strong and equal arguments to be made for both.
Gold prices have surged past $3,300 per ounce while silver remains undervalued with analysts predicting a rise to $50 per ounce by the end of 2025.
As we move into the second half of 2025, investors are closely watching the dynamics of gold and silver, two assets that have traditionally offered protection and growth during turbulent times.
Amid rising geopolitical tensions, potential central bank rate cuts, and growing industrial demand, both metals present compelling but distinct opportunities.
This analysis explores gold and silver’s investment prospects by examining technical trends, underlying fundamentals, and forward-looking predictions.
Gold prices have surged past $3,300 per ounce, bolstered by geopolitical tensions, trade disputes, and expectations of interest rate cuts by major central banks. READ MORE
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6.3.25 - Is the Silver Bull Market Coming?
Gold last traded at $3,353 an ounce. Silver at $34.57 an ounce.
EDITOR'S NOTE: All eyes are on silver for the next wave of explosive growth. Gold's counterpart has been quietly and steadily moving along, and now may very well be thrust into the investment limelight.
Is the Silver Bull Market Coming? Analysts Emphasize That $34 Is a Key Level! -SSM
Amid economic uncertainties and ongoing geopolitical turmoil, international prices of gold, silver, and crude oil surged during China's Dragon Boat Festival holiday. An analyst noted that gold prices still have significant room to rise, but now might be a more opportune time to focus on silver.
Michele Schneider, Chief Market Strategist at MarketGauge, stated that gold and silver prices have been consolidating, leading her to maintain a neutral stance on both. However, if silver prices firmly break above $34 per ounce, she will seek to buy, as reaching $40 is only a matter of time.
As of press time, the latest quote for London silver was $34.106 per ounce, down over 1.7% on the day but still up over 3.4% from Friday's close. Schneider emphasized the need for patience in the silver market, as there is still some resistance in the sector, but she hopes to see sustained buying following this breakout.
She stressed that when buyers are strong, it will signal the beginning of a more significant rally in silver.
Despite gold's strong performance this week, Schneider pointed out that the surge in the gold-silver ratio may indicate that silver is poised to shine. Currently, the gold-to-silver price ratio has fallen below the 50-day moving average, possibly signaling an anticipated rotation into silver. READ MORE
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6.2.25 - Fed Has No Way To Slow Down Debt Growth
Gold last traded at $3,381 an ounce. Silver at $34.75 an ounce.
EDITOR'S NOTE: 'Nothing stops this train' isn't a comforting sentiment regarding our national debt. With no tools left in its toolbox, it will be interesting to see how the Fed handles this mess. One thing is for certain, having a position in stable assets in no longer a luxury.
‘Nothing Stops This Train’ – Macro Guru Lyn Alden Warns Fed Has No Way To Slow Down Debt Growth in US Financial System -The Daily Hodl
by Henry Kanapi
Macro expert Lyn Alden is issuing a dire warning, saying that the Federal Reserve has effectively lost control of debt expansion in the United States.
Speaking at the Bitcoin 2025 Conference in Las Vegas, Alden explains how the Fed typically controls credit growth in the US financial system.
According to the macro guru, the Fed jacks up interest rates to slow down credit growth and inflation – a strategy which she notes has been effective for many decades.
But Alden warns that the US has reached a turning point where the national debt is now so massive that raising interest rates, meant to curb credit expansion, ultimately pushes the government to borrow more, causing public debt to balloon even faster than private debt can shrink.
“The problem is that many decades ago, when federal debt was low and most of the money creation was coming from the private sector, whenever they raised interest rates, they would slow credit growth. They would slow the private sector faster than they would blow out fiscal deficits.
The problem now is that the [US debt] is 100% of GDP, which only happened in recent years. When they raise interest rates, they ironically increase the deficit at a faster pace than they slow down private sector credit growth.
Basically, what that means is they don’t have brakes anymore. Nothing stops this train because there’s no brakes attached to it anymore.” READ MORE
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5.30.25 - Demand for US Dollar Drops in Global Copper Trade
Gold last traded at $3,292 an ounce. Silver at $33.00 an ounce.
EDITOR'S NOTE: The US dollar is not only suffering due to the de-dollarization efforts of BRICS, it is also being replaced out of preference for industry-specific items. The real problem is not simply anti-dollar sentiment, it is that the other options are also superior.
Demand for US Dollar Drops in Global Copper Trade -Watcher Guru
by Loredana Harsana
Right now, copper trading markets have fundamentally transformed as China and Russia spearheaded various major shifts away from traditional US dollar settlements. These nations have accelerated their adoption of yuan settlements across several key commodity transactions, revolutionizing how this critical industrial metal gets traded worldwide. Through numerous significant de-dollarization initiatives, copper yuan trade has emerged as a strategic battleground, and it’s reshaping multiple essential aspects of international commodity markets.
China-Russia trade has reached an unprecedented $244.8 billion in 2024, and here’s what makes this transformation remarkable. It seems that various major transactions totaling 95% are now being settled in yuan or rubles rather than dollars. Western sanctions following Russia’s invasion accelerated this shift, forcing both nations to architect alternative payment systems across several key commodity sectors including copper.
The currency transformation has leveraged multiple strategic advantages. Yuan settlements in Russia’s international trade jumped dramatically from less than 2% before 2022 to over 30% by early 2023, according to Central Bank data. Russia has now pioneered numerous significant yuan adoption initiatives and it turned into the largest user outside China and surpassing even Hong Kong in settlement volumes. READ MORE
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5.29.25 - Why is Gold Rising Despite High Treasury Yields?
Gold last traded at $3,287 an ounce. Silver at $32.97 an ounce.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Despite the chaos roiling financial markets, gold continues to shine brightly. When uncertainty abounds, the yellow metal's stability attracts everyone looking for a safe haven. Right now, the only harbor in this tempest is gold.
Why is Gold Rising Despite High Treasury Yields? -Investing Haven
Gold prices continue to climb even as Treasury yields rise, driven by fiscal concerns, central bank demand, and shifting monetary policy expectations.
Gold prices typically fall when Treasury yields rise. After all, rising yields increase the appeal of interest-bearing assets, making gold, which pays no yield, relatively less attractive. But in May 2025, gold has defied that logic.
Spot gold prices surged to $3,336.43 per ounce on May 21, up 0.7% in spot transactions, marking the highest level since May 9. U.S. gold futures also rose 0.7% to $3,337.60.
This marks four consecutive days of gains, part of a 4% rise this week and more than 25% since the beginning of the year.
A major driver behind this divergence is growing investor unease over U.S. fiscal policy. The Treasury’s recent $16 billion 20-year bond auction saw weak demand, triggering a broader sell-off in bonds and pushing the yield on 30-year Treasurys to 5.1%.
Yields on 20- and 30-year notes were last seen at 5.136% and 5.128%, respectively. The benchmark 10-year Treasury yield rose to 4.593%.
These surging borrowing costs, following Moody’s downgrade of the U.S. credit rating and ahead of the passage of a major tax-and-spending bill likely to add trillions to the national debt (now at $36.2 trillion), have prompted some investors to rethink Treasurys as a safe-haven asset.
In this environment, gold has gained favor as a hedge against fiscal instability and geopolitical tension. READ MORE
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5.28.25 - Police Warn Against New Bank Fraud Scheme
Gold last traded at $3,287 an ounce. Silver at $32.97 an ounce.
De-Dollarization: 9 Global Alliances Abandon US Dollar -Watcher Guru
The list of nations opting out of the US dollar continues to grow. These countries are looking for a more stable alternative and to bolster their own currency.
by Loredana Harsana
Global alliances pushing de-dollarization are accelerating their departure from American monetary hegemony, and at the time of writing, nine major economic blocs are actively reducing their reliance on the greenback. This unprecedented shift represents the most serious challenge to US financial dominance since World War II. Major partnerships pursuing BRICS de-dollarization initiatives, combined with currency blocs emerging across Asia, Africa, Europe, and Latin America, signal a fundamental restructuring using US dollar alternatives and local currency settlements.
Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the UAE, now part of the broader BRICS+ group, have joined in taking action against the influence of the dollar. Here, Iran’s central bank governor, Mohammad Reza Farzin said:
“We (BRICS members Iran and Russia) have entered into a currency agreement with Russia and fully removed the US dollar. Now we only trade in rubles and rials.”
Almost half of all global transactions now take place in yuan, reflecting the choice to use US dollar substitutes. READ MORE
'Your Bank Account Is Under Attack' – Police Warn Against New Bank Fraud Scheme Targeting Seniors by Stealing Cards and Draining Accounts -The Daily Hodl
Bank fraud has become so prevalent that the police are now at the forefront of warning people to be cautious; but isn't that the banks' job?
A new bank fraud scam has been targeting senior citizens on Long Island.
At a press conference last week, Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine warned that a ring of con artists has been calling seniors and impersonating their banks.
The fraudsters tell the seniors, “Your bank account is under attack,” and their credit and debit cards don’t work anymore. The con artists then offer to pick the cards up from the victims and deceptively convince them to disclose their PINs, Romaine explained.
“And guess what? Then they go to the ATM machine and steal their money. And this happened to a number of seniors.”
The Suffolk County Police Department encourages people not to answer unknown calls.
“Scammers can spoof a number to make it look like a legitimate company is calling. If they start asking for money or making demands, hang up and call the company directly. READ MORE
$65,000,000,000 Pension Fund Issues Warning to US Money Managers, Says Industry Abandoning 'Basic Principles of Stewardship': Report -The Daily Hodl
Pension funds are supposed to be safe, with steady growth and a stable future. Apparently those days may be behind us as pension fund managers have become a little more aggressive, and even reckless in some cases.
The $65 billion Dutch pension fund PME is reportedly warning US money managers not to abandon their “basic principles of stewardship” during the Trump era.
According to a new Bloomberg report, PME says US money managers are allegedly risking significant business by “caving into pressures” from President Donald Trump’s administration by abandoning basic principles of responsible investing.
Says Daan Spaargaren, PME’s senior strategist for responsible investing,
“[US money managers] aren’t condemning what Trump is doing and how he is operating and how he is handling issues like climate change and demolishing the judiciary. We are worried about that.”
The PME warns America’s investment industry that a Trump capitulation is prompting it to think twice about its US investments.
The PME is reconsidering its $5.7 billion mandate with BlackRock Inc., after the world’s largest asset manager withdrew from the Net Zero Asset Managers (NZAM) initiative. A decision from PME is expected within weeks. READ MORE
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5.27.25 - Gold Challenges US Dollar
Gold last traded at $3,304 an ounce. Silver at $33.27 an ounce.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Gold is quickly taking over as the cornerstone of assets throughout the global economy. As the dollar continues to be replaced as the world's reserve currency, many nations are replacing those positions with gold. As investors, we should all be doing the same.
Gold Challenges US Dollar: These 5 Countries Control Over Half of Global Reserves -Watcher Guru
by Loredana Harsana
Five nations control over half of the world’s official gold reserves in 2025, and this concentration is reshaping global finance right now. The United States leads with 8,133.5 metric tons, followed by Germany with 3,351.5 tons, Italy with 2,451.8 tons, France with 2,437.0 tons, and Russia with 2,335.9 tons.
In total, these nations together own roughly 18,706.2 metric tons out of the current estimated total reserves of 35,938.6. Central banks purchased more than 1,000 metric tons in 2024, and this excessive buying is spurring the trend away from the dollar.
The landscape today looks different because of the massive amount of assets that central banks worldwide have purchased. Poland purchased a record amount of 3.24% of the world’s gold in 2024 and this huge rise moved Poland up into the ranks of significant gold buyers.
Turkey managed to accumulate 74.79 metric tons last week, after facing strong selling pressure earlier due to currency crises. India added 72.62 metric tons this month and China maintained the regular accumulation it started in late 2022. READ MORE
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5.23.25 - 1.2b social media users' data stolen
Gold last traded at $3,357 an ounce. Silver at $33.50 an ounce.
EDITOR'S NOTE: It's unsettling when tech behemoths, who should be able to keep data secure, have a massive data breach. If this breach is verified, it would be the largest data-scraping incident to date. Only time will tell if this hacker got away with the goods; but in the meantime, officials are warning users to change their password, freeze their credit and place fraud alerts on their banking accounts.
1.2b social media users' data stolen in historic breach: Check your bank account NOW -Daily Mail
by Chris Malore
Over a billion Facebook users have had their private account information stolen in one of the largest data breaches in social media history.
A cybercriminal using the alias ByteBreaker claims to have scraped 1.2 billion Facebook records and is now selling the data on the dark web.
Scraping, or web scraping, involves using automated tools to collect large amounts of data from websites, similar to copying and pasting information at scale.
Cybersecurity researchers at Cybernews revealed that the stolen data includes names, user IDs, email addresses, phone numbers, birthdates, gender information, and location data such as city, state, and country.
Investigators say ByteBreaker exploited a flaw in a specific Facebook tool designed to let apps or programs access user data.
If verified, ByteBreaker’s trove would represent the largest single data-scraping incident from a social media platform to date.
Officials are urging all Facebook users to change their passwords, freeze their credit, and activate fraud alerts on their bank accounts.
They warn that the dataset scraped by ByteBreaker contains enough information for cybercriminals to open credit cards in victims’ names or access their financial accounts. READ MORE
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5.22.25 - 20 Reasons Why Nations Are Abandoning The US Dollar
Gold last traded at $3,293 an ounce. Silver at $33.10 an ounce.
EDITOR'S NOTE: This is a simple explanation as to why the US dollar is in desperate trouble. The amount of pressure it's under is not only enormous, but the list of where those pressures are coming from is quite enormous as well.
De-Dollarization: 20 Reasons Why Nations Are Abandoning The US Dollar -Watcher Guru
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| {Source: Watcher Guru} |
by Juhi Mirza
De-dollarization has now become a raging phenomenon, the one that vehemently pushes the US dollar to encounter new lows. The phenomenon is now being aggressively considered by a majority of global nations, who are trying their best to put their currency forward or introduce new payment mechanisms to counter dollar supremacy. It seems as if the currency dynamics are also evolving rapidly, with accommodation elements supporting the US dollar's demise. With Trump's rampant US tariff policies coupled with the dollar’s increased weaponization, here are the 20 leading reasons why nations are now pushing the dollar to a corner.
The leading reason that kick-started the de-dollarization phenomenon would always be the US dollar's dominance and its ability to sanction other nations. At the same time, nations are now desiring a change, wishing for reduced influence of the dollar on their economy.
The rising geopolitical chaos tied with the United States' swift policy changes is also leading countries to dump the USD. The constant weaponization of the dollar, alongside nations wanting to have more financial stability, are a few prominent reasons to support this air of change. READ MORE
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5.21.25 - 5 Countries Pay 93% of Trade in National Currencies
Gold last traded at $3,317 an ounce. Silver at $33.45 an ounce.
Congress To Seize Control Of AI: States Stripped Of Regulatory Power -ZeroHedge
AI has been stealing headlines for quite some time now, but today it's for a different reason. Congress has just passed legislation that takes all regulatory control away from states, and hands it over to the federal government.
Via JonFleetwood.substack.com
Buried deep in Congress’s 1,116-page “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” is a provision so sweeping, so dystopian, and so underreported that it’s hard to believe it was passed at all.
Section 43201 of the bill, blandly titled the “Artificial Intelligence and Information Technology Modernization Initiative,” doesn’t just fund the federal government’s full-scale AI expansion—it removes every state’s right to regulate artificial intelligence for the next decade.
Let that sink in: For the next ten years, no state in America—not even your state—will be allowed to create its own safeguards, protections, or liability standards for how AI is developed or deployed.
“No State or political subdivision thereof may enforce any law or regulation regulating artificial intelligence models… during the 10-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act.”
- Sec. 43201(c)(1) of the bill
This is not a theoretical threat.
It’s a federal ban on local AI regulation—handing the reins to the very bureaucrats and corporate tech giants already embedding AI into military systems, healthcare, financial markets, education, and law enforcement.
This section of the bill is a preemptive strike against state sovereignty. READ MORE
BRICS: 5 Countries Pay 93% of Trade in National Currencies -Watcher Guru
De-dollarization is happening rapidly. Five BRICS nations now do 93% of their commerce in their own currencies. Not only are the number of nations transacting outside the dollar growing, but the number of nations jumping on board as well.
by Vinod Dsouza
BRICS member Russia is advancing the de-dollarization agenda with every alliance it is a part of, and convincing them to settle trade payments in national currencies. In the latest, Russia confirmed that 93% of cross-border payments within the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) alliance have been settled in national currencies, not the US dollar.
After BRICS, every other alliance is teaming up for trade settlements in national currencies. The development will add strain on the US dollar and dampen its prospects as the world’s reserve currency. Emerging economies are reshaping the global financial order on their terms and not following the dictation of Western powers.
The EAEU alliance comprises five countries: Russia, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. In 2015, the bloc announced that it used 70% of payments in national currencies. Now, 10 years down the line in 2025, the trade settlements have increased to 93%. Russia has used the BRICS ideology on the EAEU alliance to push national currencies ahead of the US dollar. READ MORE
Bank of America Branch Closures Now Surge This Year -Frank Nez
Major banks are majorly shrinking, as it relates to branches throughout the country. Some of it has to do with technology replacing the need for locations, and part of it is banks struggling to stay profitable. It all speaks to the rapidly changing financial world we are living in today.
Bank of America branch closures now surge this year as the giant and others prepare for more shutters in the upcoming weeks alone.
Major banks like Bank of America, Chase, and Wells Fargo are at the forefront of a significant wave of branch closures, totaling 42 in just a few weeks — a trend that resembles a financial crisis for local communities.
The sector is facing substantial losses, resulting in diminished banking services for many areas.
According to the Daily Mail, U.S. banks have filed plans to shut down these branches, with notifications to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) occurring between April 1 and April 26.
A total of 14 banks are involved in these closures. READ MORE
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5.20.25 - US Dollar Dethroned
Gold last traded at $3,290 an ounce. Silver at $33.10 an ounce.
EDITOR'S NOTE: The dethroning of the US dollar has been an ongoing discussion for years, but it has now gone from discussion to "measurable reality". Will this be a temporary beating for the dollar? Or will the global shift away from US assets become the new normal?
US Dollar Dethroned: Only 60% Global Reserves Still Bet on Its Reign -Watcher Guru
by Loredana Harsana
The US dollar dethroned from its long-held position as the world’s undisputed reserve currency is now a measurable reality. Recent data shows that the dollar’s share of global reserves has declined to approximately 60%, down from about 67% two decades ago. This gradual but persistent shift signals a significant transformation in global finance as central banks are increasingly diversifying their holdings away from the greenback. The ongoing de-dollarization trend represents, at the time of writing, one of the most consequential changes in the international monetary system in decades.
The dollar’s position in global reserves has eroded steadily over the past 20 years. This shift reflects a deliberate diversification strategy by central banks worldwide as they seek to reduce dependency on any single currency and also to protect themselves from potential geopolitical risks.
Ever since the introduction of the euro in 1999, central banks have actively reduced their dollar reserves. The British pound and Canadian dollar have slightly increased their share of global reserves as well. Recent disputes and conflicts in world trade have moved the world toward rejecting US dollar dominance.
Economically stressed nations and countries that desire greater freedom with their money, have mused about discontinuing using the US dollar as their main currency for trade. At the moment, “de-dollarization” is a major topic of discussion in financial markets. READ MORE
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5.19.25 - Gold Gains Following Moody's US Downgrade
Gold last traded at $3,230 an ounce. Silver at $32.36 an ounce.
EDITOR'S NOTE: The US government was delivered quite a blow, as Moody's has downgraded their debt rating. This is no surprise to anyone, and the concern remains that one of these financial straws may ultimately break the camel's back.
Gold Gains as Dollar Slides Following Moody's US Downgrade -Yahoo! Finance
(Bloomberg) -- Gold rose as the dollar tumbled after Moody’s Ratings stripped the US of its last top credit rating due to ballooning debt and deficits.
Moody’s blamed successive administrations and Congress for swelling budget deficits that it said show little sign of abating. And there’s concern the situation could get worse, with Republican lawmakers discussing a tax and spending package from US President Donald Trump that critics say would add trillions more to the federal debt over the coming decade.
The precious metal has experienced swings in recent months. It suffered the biggest weekly loss since November last week on easing geopolitical tensions, after a blistering rally that saw it climb above $3,500 an ounce for the first time last month. Gold is still up by more than one-fifth this year, driven by global conflicts, Trump’s tariff spree and inflows to exchange-traded funds.
“We expect gold to be volatile in the short term as we see a mix of good and bad news headlines,” said Vasu Menon, managing director of investment strategy at Oversea-Chinese Banking Corp. In the long run, Trump’s policies and diversification away from dollar-denominated assets are “structural tailwinds for gold that could see it scaling new heights in the coming years,” he said. READ MORE
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5.16.25 - Why is the Fed quietly buying billions in bonds
Gold last traded at $3,201 an ounce. Silver at $32.28 an ounce.
EDITOR'S NOTE: The Fed appears to be up to some shenanigans, yet again. They are trying to sneak in some quantitative easing, and hoping no one notices; but the jig is up.
Opinion: Why is the Fed quietly buying billions in bonds — and hoping nobody notices?
by Charlie Garcia
The U.S. Federal Reserve just pulled off something stealthy — over four days last week, without fanfare, the Fed vacuumed up $43.6 billion in U.S. Treasurys. That’s $8.8 billion in long-dated 30-year bonds on May 8 alone, plus another $34.8 billion earlier in the week. Not exactly small change.
Quietly returning to the quantitative-easing trough isn’t standard Fed housekeeping — it’s like a bank robber returning to the scene because he forgot his car keys.
Let’s talk straight: This isn’t tightening. It’s stealth easing. It’s monetary policy on tiptoes. Some traders have begun to notice, and smart investors should too.
Commodity traders, in particular, have a nose for monetary sleight-of-hand. Gold, the ultimate financial cynic’s metal, has risen sharply since early 2024. Gold doesn’t believe in politicians, central bankers or economists — even the Ivy League types who wave their hands and promise stability. It believes numbers.
But this isn’t just a U.S. game. China has jumped into the gold pit too, and brings a bigger shovel. China’s central bank just cranked open the vault doors by dramatically raising gold-import quotas, letting local banks swap U.S. dollars directly for bullion.
That’s China quietly telling Uncle Sam that holding all those U.S. Treasurys is starting to feel less like prudent investing and more like playing roulette with the house on fire.
Think about it. Even if China converts into gold a modest 10% of the $784 billion Treasury stash it held as of February, it would send tremors through global markets. READ MORE
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5.15.25 - BRICS Erodes Trust in the US Dollar
Gold last traded at $3,230 an ounce. Silver at $32.56 an ounce.
EDITOR'S NOTE: BRICS is eroding the US dollar. That erosion is spreading beyond BRICS nations to non-participating nations; along with corporations who no longer want to settle transactions in dollars. I'm not sure how much more pressure the dollar can take before something gives.
BRICS Erodes Trust in the US Dollar -Watcher Guru
by Vinod Dsouza
The BRICS alliance is making developing countries trust local currencies more than the US dollar. The initiative of the White House to levy sanctions on Russia in 2022 obliged emerging economies to protect their GDP. The move prompted the bloc to give the de-dollarization a serious thought because the White House was in a position to bring down their economy. Trade power of the emerging economies are more in comparison with the west combined.
The US dollar, which was a rock-solid currency for global payments, is seeing its roots being shaken by BRICS. The alliance of the developing countries is now serious in pushing the local currencies forward and developing their native economy. They were in the greenback’s clutches for so many decades and are now trying to clip its wings. The local currencies can rise in the markets while the American dollar goes down within the next few years.
The US dollar’s supremacy stood on trust for several decades, and the belief in the currency is now eroding. As developing nations realized that the White House is weaponizing the US dollar for its benefit, things began to fall apart. The main goal of BRICS is now to topple the US dollar and push local currencies ahead for trade. READ MORE
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5.14.25 - Should Investors Worry About The Future Of Gold?
Gold last traded at $3,181 an ounce. Silver at $32.24 an ounce.
BRICS: JP Morgan Predicts 20% Decline in the US Dollar -Watcher Guru
A 20% decline in the US dollar won't be good, but given the pressure it's been recently, I am surprised the forecast isn't worse. When any market drops that much, there is a risk of a panic causing an even more severe decline.
by Vinod Dsouza
Leading investment bank JP Morgan is closely monitoring the de-dollarization initiative kick-started by BRICS to topple the US dollar. After Trump’s ascension to the White House, the DXY index has fallen to a new low of 98 this year. Local currencies are racing ahead in the forex markets while the greenback is reeling under macroeconomic pressures. An influx of forex traders taking entry positions in local currencies is increasing for the first time in decades.
Political instability and the relentless de-dollarization pursuit of BRICS can trim the US dollar’s market share, says JP Morgan. The leading global bank wrote in its latest research piece that the US dollar could decline by another 10% to 20%. The DXY index is hovering around the 101 mark on Tuesday and is attracting bearish sentiments.
A decline of 10% in the US dollar’s DXY index could make it plummet to the 90 range. If the 20% dip forecast turns accurate, then the US dollar could plunge to a low of 80, which is worrisome to the economy. BRICS is adding more pressure on the US dollar’s prospects that could make things worse for the currency, wrote JP Morgan.
“The dollar’s longstanding overvaluation is beginning to unwind, which could result in a 10%–20% decline against major peers such as the euro and Japanese yen over the medium-term. We don’t see this as a breakdown in the dollar, but it is a reset,” wrote JP Morgan on the US currency amid the BRICS onslaught. READ MORE
Should Investors Worry About The Future Of Gold? -Investing Haven
In our modern world, some question the wisdom of investing in an asset as ancient as gold; however its history as a solid investment over millennia counters their arguments. The factors that have contributed to its performance over time are now more prevalent than ever.
Gold has long been the go-to safe haven during economic turmoil—but with rising interest in Bitcoin, booming stock markets, and shifting global power dynamics, is gold losing its shine?
For more than a century, gold has stood the test of time as the best hedge against inflation, economic uncertainty, and currency collapse. Over the last 10 years, however, new and more lucrative assets like Bitcoin and stocks like Tesla have stolen its spotlight.
In light of these, investors are questioning gold’s appeal as an investment of the future. To understand whether Gold is still worth buying today, we need to look at its past and expected future price action.
Gold’s greatest feature has been its resilience. Over last century, the yellow metal has survived some of the most devastating news – from world wars to global recessions.
It also survived a period of extended economic boom when stock markets and interest rates soared to new heights. These include during the shift to Brenton woods system in 1970 and during the stock market boom in 2000.
The proven resilience has most analysts convinced that gold will continue surviving even the highest interest rates. READ MORE
US Dollar To Fall Significantly Against Chinese Yuan Amid Trade Negotiations, According to Goldman Sachs: Report -The Daily Hodl
It seems that the tariff war has settled down recently, and yet not enough to offer any strengthening of the US dollar; especially in comparison to what some believe is an undervalued Yuan.
Analysts at the financial giant Goldman Sachs reportedly think the onshore Chinese yuan (CNY) will rise against the dollar over the next 12 months.
One US dollar is currently worth 7.2 CNY (USD/CNY), but Goldman forecasts that number will fall to 7.0 yuan per dollar over the next year, Bloomberg reports.
A falling USD/CNY chart indicates that the yuan is appreciating against the dollar.
Explain the investment bank’s analysts, “The undervalued levels of the currency, both on a real trade-weighted basis but especially versus the dollar, all point to the possibility for a stronger onshore yuan as a potential offset to tariff reductions.”
The analysts had previously predicted the yuan would be at the 7.35 level over 12 months.
The CNY is up 1.24% against the USD in the past month and 0.31% in the past five days.
Analysts at BNP Paribas Asset Management echo Goldman and also predict the CNY will surge in value against the USD, according to Bloomberg.
Rick Cheung, a fixed income portfolio manager at BNP, tells the news outlet that the yuan will have additional upside if the dollar continues to depreciate. READ MORE
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5.13.25 - Robert Kiyosaki Says Silver Will Surge To $100
Gold last traded at $3,254 an ounce. Silver at $32.93 an ounce.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Gold and silver continue to shine, as institutions and investors alike seek financial refuge. Robert Kiyosaki believes silver may shine the most in the coming months. Read on to see why.
Robert Kiyosaki Says Silver Will Surge To $100 -Frank Nez
Renowned financial guru and author of Rich Dad Poor Dad, Robert Kiyosaki, has long been a vocal advocate for investing in tangible assets like gold, silver, and Bitcoin as hedges against inflation and economic instability.
In a recent YouTube Shorts video, Kiyosaki boldly predicted that silver, often overshadowed by its more glamorous counterpart gold, is poised for a dramatic price surge to $100 per ounce.
This forecast aligns with his broader narrative of an impending economic collapse driven by government debt, inflation, and the devaluation of fiat currencies.
As retail investors increasingly rally behind silver, they are also raising alarms about the alleged suppression of silver prices by major banks, a practice they claim stifles their ability to maximize profits in the commodities market.
Today we are going over Kiyosaki’s bullish outlook on silver, other optimistic price predictions, the growing awareness of price suppression, and the urgent need for investors to continue exposing this perceived injustice. READ MORE
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5.12.25 - JP Morgan Predicts $6000 Gold Price
Gold last traded at $3,234 an ounce. Silver at $32.60 an ounce.
EDITOR'S NOTE: JP Morgan is suggesting gold prices could reach $6,000 an ounce, if the current trend of dumping US assets continues. It's not all that farfetched given gold's performance over the last few years, coupled with our continued economic spiral.
JP Morgan Predicts $6000 Gold Price If This Key US Asset Shifts Unfolds -Watcher Guru
by Juhi Mirza
Analysts at JP Morgan have once again delivered a surprising price prediction for gold. The leading financial players have shared how gold has the power to hit $6000 in the long run, provided a key shift in the US assets takes place.
Analysts at JP Morgan, a leading financial giant in the space, have predicted new price thresholds for gold. Per the analysts, gold has the power to soar 80% in value, moving to the $6000 price level if 0.5% of US Assets held by foreign investors are allocated towards the precious yellow metal. In a detailed note issued, JP Morgan analysts predicted a hypothetical scenario, a threshold where gold could surge as high as $6000 if foreign investor diversification shifts meticulously towards the yellow asset.
“While hypothetical, this scenario illustrates why we remain structurally bullish on gold and think prices have further to run,” analysts wrote.
Gold has seen new meteoric price surges at a rapid pace as geopolitical turmoil continues to deepen. With the Russia-Ukraine war, followed by Trump’s aggressive trade orders, gold has been noting significant price changes, gaining traction within the global forces at a rapid speed. These violent trends of investor sentiment shifting away from US tariffs are what primarily are fueling the metal price rallies. READ MORE
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