Consumer Confidence Crashes as Americans Brace for 4.9% Inflation in 2025

U.S. consumer confidence has hit its lowest point since November 2022, according to the latest University of Michigan survey. This sharp decline comes despite recent economic improvements. – Inflation dropped from 7.1% (November 2022) to 2.9% (December 2024) – GDP grew at 2.3% during Q4 2024 – These positive indicators had suggested a possible “soft landing” – where inflation is controlled without causing a recession New Concerns President Trump’s aggressive tariff policies have dramatically changed the outlook for 2025. Americans now expect: – Inflation to jump to 4.9% – nearly double current levels – Increased recession risk, with Treasury Secretary […]

63% of Americans Consider Inflation a “Very Big Problem”

A significant majority of Americans (63%) view inflation as a “very big problem,” according to a recent Pew Research survey, while more than 40% of middle-income Americans cite it as their top financial concern in a 2024 Primerica survey. Though inflation has decreased from its July 2022 peak of 9.1%, January 2025’s rate remains at 3%—still above the Federal Reserve’s 2% target. Investors can combat inflation’s impact by: – Prioritizing spending by focusing on what adds the most value to your life rather than making random cuts – Boosting income through strategic side hustles that fit your schedule – And […]

Gold Sector Momentum: 7 NYSE Miners Breaking Through to New Highs

Seven NYSE-listed gold stocks have reached new 52-week highs as the sector’s bullish trend continues. The companies—Alamos Gold, ASA Gold and Precious Metals, DRDGold, Franco Nevada, Gold Fields, Triple Flag Precious Metals, and Wheaton Precious Metals—all show strong technical indicators with 50-day moving averages trending above their 200-day moving averages, a classic bullish signal. These stocks vary in market capitalization from $510 million (ASA) to $33.49 billion (Wheaton), with most headquartered in Canada and South Africa. Gold Fields stands out with the highest dividend yield at 4.30%, while several others offer more modest yields. The consistent new highs across these […]

Africa’s $5 Billion Annual Loss: The Hidden Cost of Foreign Currency Trade

Africa loses approximately $5 billion annually by conducting trade in foreign currencies, particularly the US dollar, according to Dr. Melaku Geboye Desta of the African Trade Policy Centre. This reliance on non-African currencies increases transaction costs, delays trade settlements, and exposes African economies to currency rate instability. To address this issue, the continent has developed the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS), which functions without intermediate currencies, potentially making intra-African trade faster, cheaper, and more competitive. Several African countries are now also considering using local currencies for business with non-Western partners like China and Russia.

Dollar Slumps as European and Asian Currencies Gain Strength

The US dollar is struggling near a five-month low against major currencies as concerns grow about the economic impact of President Trump’s trade policies and recent weak economic data. Meanwhile, the euro is approaching a five-month high of $1.0947 following Germany’s agreement on a substantial fiscal deal that includes a €500 billion infrastructure fund and changes to borrowing rules. Currency market dynamics have shifted significantly in recent months, with traders reassessing their expectations about Trump’s economic policies. Other currencies showing strength include the Chinese yuan, which is near a four-month high following Beijing’s announcement of a “special action plan” to […]

Will Wednesday’s Fed Decision Propel Gold Beyond $3,000?

Gold remains near its all-time high around $2,989 after briefly crossing $3,000 last week, supported by geopolitical risks and Federal Reserve rate cut expectations despite China’s new economic stimulus measures shifting some investor sentiment toward riskier assets. Silver is trading at $33.69, slightly down as profit-taking caps further gains despite support from a weaker U.S. dollar. Multiple factors are influencing precious metals prices: the U.S. Dollar Index hovering near multi-month lows (103.70), declining consumer sentiment, Houthi rebel attacks in the Red Sea raising geopolitical concerns, and ongoing trade tensions following Trump’s decision to maintain tariffs on Australian metals. Traders are […]

Beyond $3,000: Can Gold’s Momentum Carry Prices to $3,500 in 2025?

Gold has surpassed $3,000 per ounce for the first time, peaking at $3,004 before settling slightly lower at $2,997. The precious metal is up 14.8% since the beginning of 2025, following a 26.6% surge in 2024, despite traditional headwinds like rising US bond yields and a strengthening dollar. Experts see this as a “structural shift” in gold’s role as a safe-haven asset amid global uncertainty, with Diego Franzin of Plenisfer noting that gold has become increasingly relevant in investor portfolios. European investors have reversed their previous stance, adding $3.2 billion to gold ETCs in early 2025 after withdrawing $5.8 billion […]

Gold vs Silver: Understanding Their Investment Profiles for Your Portfolio

Morgan Stanley highlights four critical differences between gold and silver as investment assets. Economic Sensitivity: Silver has stronger ties to the global economy. Half of all silver is used in heavy industry and technology – including smartphones, automobiles, and solar panels. This makes silver more economically sensitive than gold, which is primarily used for jewelry and investment. When economies grow, silver demand typically increases. Price Volatility: Silver shows significantly higher price volatility – two to three times greater than gold on a given day. While traders may benefit from these swings, such volatility creates challenges for managing portfolio risk. Portfolio […]

UBS Raises Gold Forecast to $3,200 as Trade War Fears Intensify

UBS Group AG has raised its gold price forecast to $3,200 per ounce for the next four quarters, up from its previous target of $3,000, citing increasing risks of a prolonged global trade war under President Trump’s policies. Gold, which recently surpassed $3,000 per ounce for the first time, is expected to benefit from growing recession concerns and anticipated Federal Reserve rate cuts. UBS joins other major banks like Macquarie Group and BNP Paribas in raising gold price targets, with strong central bank purchases and increasing ETF inflows providing additional support for higher prices.

Gold Nears $3,000 Milestone as Economic Uncertainty Persists

Gold continues trading near $2,990 per ounce after briefly surpassing the $3,000 mark on Friday, as investors balance news of the US avoiding a government shutdown against ongoing economic growth concerns. The precious metal has gained 14% this year amid market uncertainty driven by President Trump’s trade policies, which pushed the S&P 500 into correction territory last week. Major banks are forecasting further price increases, with Macquarie Group projecting $3,500 per ounce in Q2 and BNP Paribas also forecasting averages above $3,000.