Market Optimism Evaporates: BofA Survey Shows Dramatic Shift to Defensive Positioning

Bank of America’s monthly survey shows fund managers have experienced a “bull crash” in sentiment, with optimism rapidly draining. The survey recorded the second-biggest drop in global growth expectations in its history, plummeting from -2% in February to -44% in March. U.S. equity allocations saw their largest decline ever, while cash levels jumped from 3.5% to 4.1% – the biggest increase since March 2020. Bank of America strategists attribute this shift to fears of stagflation, trade wars, and the end of “U.S. exceptionalism.” Despite the pessimism, only 11% of respondents anticipate a hard landing, suggesting positioning hasn’t reached extreme bearish […]

Silver’s $50 Breakout: The Biggest Precious Metals Run in History?

In this eye-opening video, Mike Maloney reveals the explosive factors converging in the silver market: historic short positions, a colossal cup and handle pattern, and decades of currency debasement.

Analysts Project Gold to Hit $3,500 as Investors Seek Safety in ETFs

UBS has raised its gold price target to $3,200 per ounce (from $3,000) as retail investors increasingly buy into gold-backed ETFs. This follows gold breaking the $3,000 barrier on March 13, with prices up nearly 40% over the past year. Other financial institutions including Macquarie Group and BNP Paribas have also increased their forecasts, with many analysts now predicting gold could reach $3,500. The SPDR Gold Trust (GLD), the world’s largest physical gold ETF, is up 14% this year as investors seek safety amid trade conflicts, geopolitical instability, and economic concerns.

UBS Bullish on Gold: Price Target Elevated to $3,200 as ETF Inflows Accelerate

UBS has raised its gold price target to $3,200/oz (up from $3,000/oz) as gold ETF inflows accelerate. This increase reflects growing investor demand for defensive assets amid escalating uncertainties, continued central bank buying, and unclear Fed policy direction. UBS maintains its preference for gold, recommending investors use price pullbacks as buying opportunities and continue allocating approximately 5% to gold in USD-balanced portfolios for optimal long-term diversification.

Oil Markets React to U.S. Strikes in Yemen While Awaiting Trump-Putin Talks

Oil prices rose Tuesday, marking the third consecutive gain as tensions increased in the Middle East following U.S. strikes on Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. WTI crude rose 1.5% to $68.60 per barrel, while Brent crude increased 1.4% to $72.07. The market is also watching President Trump’s scheduled call with Russian President Putin regarding a potential Ukraine cease-fire, which could impact energy markets if Russian energy flows resume.

Investors Make Historic Shift Away From US Stocks

Investors have made the biggest-ever move away from US stocks, according to Bank of America’s latest survey. Fund managers now report being 23% underweight in US stocks—a massive 40 percentage point drop from the previous survey. This sharp turnaround shows rapidly falling confidence in American markets after the S&P 500 fell about 8% from its February high point. BofA strategist Michael Hartnett explained it simply: “Peak US exceptionalism is reflected in record rotation out of US stocks.” The survey, which included 171 participants managing $426 billion and was conducted March 7-13, reveals investors are worried about high US stock prices […]

South African Rand Strengthens as Gold Hits New Record High

The South African rand gained 0.4% against the dollar on Tuesday, boosted by gold prices reaching a new all-time high of $3,018.66. As a major precious metals producer, South Africa could benefit from miners increasing output to capitalize on record gold prices. This positive momentum comes despite significant challenges, including a deadlocked national budget, deteriorating US relations under President Trump, and uncertainty around the central bank’s upcoming interest rate decision.

ANZ Bank: Gold to Reach $3,200 Within Six Months as Safe Haven Demand Surge

ANZ Bank has increased its gold price forecasts to $3,100 per ounce for the next three months and $3,200 per ounce for the six-month outlook, according to a Tuesday research note. The bank maintains a bullish view on gold, citing escalating geopolitical and trade tensions, easing monetary policy, and strong central bank buying as major tailwinds. Gold has already gained over 14% this year, setting record highs 14 times as investors seek safe-haven assets amid economic concerns and Trump’s tariff policies.

Middle East Violence and Tariff Fears Push Prices to Historic Levels

Gold prices reached another record high, climbing to $3,028.24 an ounce on Tuesday as investors increasingly turn to the safe-haven asset amid escalating geopolitical and economic uncertainties. This marks gold’s 14th record high this year, with prices surging over 15% year-to-date after first breaking the $3,000 barrier on March 14. The rally is being fueled by what Saxo Bank’s Ole Hansen calls “a perfect storm of gold-supporting factors.” The surge is driven by two main factors: escalating violence in Gaza, where Israeli airstrikes have reportedly killed over 400 people and threatened a fragile ceasefire, and growing concerns about Donald Trump’s […]

Gold Breaks $3,000 Barrier as Geopolitical Tensions and Economic Worries Grow

Gold prices surged to an unprecedented $3,028 per ounce, driven by a combination of intensifying Middle East conflict and growing worries about US economic health. Israel’s military strikes on Hamas targets in Gaza, which reportedly resulted in at least 322 casualties, underscored gold’s traditional role as a safe-haven asset during geopolitical crises. On the economic front, February’s US retail sales came in below forecasts, suggesting weakening consumer spending on goods, though not indicating a severe pullback. This data, coupled with deteriorating consumer sentiment and signs of financial stress, has reinforced gold’s appeal as a store of value. The precious metal […]