Markets Unfazed by Trump’s Iran Oil Crackdown

President Trump’s revival of his maximum pressure campaign against Iran’s oil exports has met a muted market response, highlighting significant changes in global oil dynamics since his first term. While Iranian exports dropped to 150,000 bpd in 2020 under Trump’s previous sanctions, they’ve rebounded to 1.6 million bpd during Biden’s presidency, primarily through sales to Chinese teapot refineries using a sophisticated sanctions-evasion network of 470 ghost tankers. The market’s calm reaction reflects several factors: OPEC+’s ability to offset potential Iranian supply losses, record U.S. production exceeding 13 million bpd, and overall slack in global markets. While StoneX analysts predict sanctions […]

Gold’s Six-Week Rally Persists as Global Trade Concerns Deepen

Gold continues its bullish run, heading for a sixth consecutive weekly gain as new trade tensions spark safe-haven demand. The precious metal reached an all-time high of $2,882.16 on Wednesday, with spot gold trading at $2,865.36. The new administration’s commitment to tariffs has heightened global economic uncertainty, boosting gold’s safe-haven appeal. While physical demand remains muted in key markets like India and China due to record prices, investors are focusing on the upcoming U.S. non-farm payrolls report, expected to show job growth slowing to 170,000 in January from December’s 256,000. This economic backdrop, combined with trade tensions and the Fed’s […]

Chinese Insurers Get Green Light for Gold Investment Trial

In a move that could reshape China’s gold market, the National Financial Regulatory Administration (NFRA) announced Friday the launch of the “Pilot Program of Insurance Funds Investing in Gold.” This strategic initiative serves multiple purposes: expanding investment channels for insurance funds, optimizing asset allocation structures, and strengthening insurance companies’ asset-liability management capabilities. The NFRA has committed to closely monitoring the program’s progress while maintaining robust regulatory oversight to ensure successful integration of insurance funds into gold investments. This development represents a significant expansion of China’s financial market infrastructure and could potentially increase institutional demand for gold.

China Leads December Gold Purchases as Global Central Banks Scale Back

Central bank gold activity showed a notable shift in December 2024, with global institutions reporting 3 tonnes of net sales according to IMF and public data sources. The month’s activity revealed a clear tapering in demand, with gross purchases of 13 tonnes being outweighed by 16 tonnes in sales. The People’s Bank of China maintained its buying streak with 10 tonnes, while smaller additions came from the Czech National Bank and Bank of Ghana at 1 tonne each. However, Kazakhstan’s significant 11-tonne sale dominated the month’s transactions. Looking at the broader 2024 picture, while overall activity decreased compared to 2023, […]

Gold’s Surge Signals Hidden Inflation Threat, Analyst Warns

Gold’s dramatic rise toward $3,000 is sending a critical message about the state of the economy, according to analyst Todd “Bubba” Horwitz. While expecting a near-term pullback, Horwitz forecasts gold reaching $3,200-$3,300 in 2025, citing accelerating inflation despite official claims of cooling prices. He argues that elevated prices on essential goods persist due to government revenue needs, while criticizing the Federal Reserve as a “worthless cartel” that benefits banks at the expense of average Americans. The analysis points to increasing sovereign wealth fund investment in gold as evidence of growing distrust in fiat currencies, suggesting a broader shift in global […]

Shanghai Futures Signal Potential Gold Price Explosion

A Chinese gold rally could help push gold prices to $3,000 and beyond. China’s gold market shows strong bullish signals, with Shanghai Futures Exchange activity surging post-Lunar New Year and yuan-denominated gold prices trending upward. This momentum is driven by China’s economic challenges, historically low bond yields, expected government stimulus, and the central bank’s renewed gold purchasing program.

PBOC Adds Gold for Third Month as Prices Hit Historic Peak

China’s central bank has demonstrated its commitment to building gold reserves by adding 0.16 million troy ounces in January, continuing a pattern that resumed in November after a six-month break. This strategic move comes despite gold reaching unprecedented price levels, highlighting the PBOC’s determination to diversify its holdings. The timing is particularly significant, as it coincides with growing global economic uncertainties and follows an earlier 18-month buying spree. According to Bloomberg Economics analyst David Qu, the decision may be politically motivated, noting the correlation with U.S. political developments. While the central bank pursues this strategy, domestic gold jewelry demand remains […]

Korea Gold Exchange Crashes Under Surge of Safe-Haven Seekers

The Korea Gold Exchange faced significant operational challenges as its website buckled under extraordinary user demand, with thousands of traders forced into virtual waiting rooms from Thursday through Friday. This surge in interest coincides with gold reaching historic highs, trading at 579,000 won per 3.75kg—a dramatic 56.5% increase from the previous year. The precious metal’s rally extends beyond Korea, with global prices hitting $2,882.16 per ounce amid growing concerns over U.S.-China trade tensions. The situation reflects broader market anxiety about global economic stability, particularly as new tariffs take effect between major economies. China’s retaliatory measures on coal, LNG, and crude […]

High Prices Drive Buyers from Asian Gold Markets

Gold demand has hit a significant roadblock in Asia’s key markets as prices reach unprecedented levels, with India’s domestic gold price touching 84,910 rupees per 10 grams. This represents a dramatic rise of over 10% in 2025, following a 21% increase in 2024. The price surge has led to substantial market disruptions, with Indian dealers offering discounts up to $31 an ounce over domestic prices, while Chinese markets show discounts of $7-$10 per ounce. The situation is further complicated by supply dynamics, as bullion banks redirect gold shipments to the U.S. market to take advantage of higher futures premiums, leading […]

Is Silver Set to Outperform Gold by 9X? | Mike Maloney & Alan Hibbard

In this must-watch episode, Mike Maloney and Alan Hibbard break down the explosive dynamics at play in the gold and silver markets.