Warning Signs for U.S. Economy as FedEx Reports Persistent Freight Weakness

In a troubling indicator for the overall U.S. economy, FedEx has reduced its profit outlook for the third straight quarter. CEO Raj Subramaniam highlighted that weakening demand is hurting their higher-margin business-to-business shipments, with the freight division suffering the most from fewer shipments and lighter loads. This persistent industrial slowdown has forced FedEx to lower its fiscal 2025 projections from flat sales to slightly negative, while cutting profit expectations to $18-$18.60 per share. As a company that serves as a bellwether for economic activity, FedEx’s struggles suggest broader economic challenges may be emerging. The shipping giant is responding by reducing […]

Economic Collision Course: Trump’s Tariffs vs. Fed’s Inflation Concerns

President Trump urged the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates ahead of his new tariff implementation, posting on Truth Social that the Fed would be “MUCH better off CUTTING RATES” before his April 2 “Liberation Day” tariff announcement. Fed Chair Powell acknowledged that Trump’s tariffs will likely increase prices, though he called these effects potentially “transitory” – language previously criticized by Trump allies during the Biden administration. Despite these inflation concerns, the Fed kept rates steady while maintaining its forecast for two cuts later this year, leading some analysts to suggest the Fed may be underestimating the tariffs’ economic impact.

SNB Chief Defends Currency Policy: “We Are Not Manipulators”

The Swiss National Bank (SNB) Chairman Martin Schlegel confirmed the bank will continue using foreign currency market interventions when necessary, while rejecting accusations of currency manipulation. Schlegel explicitly stated “Switzerland is not a currency manipulator” while maintaining that the SNB would continue utilizing currency interventions as a legitimate monetary policy tool when needed. He emphasized that past market interventions were conducted solely for monetary policy purposes, not to create unfair economic advantages for Switzerland. Schlegel reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to using all available tools at its disposal to fulfill its mandate, suggesting no change in the SNB’s approach to currency […]

$100 Trillion and Climbing: World Faces Mounting Debt as Refinancing Risks Grow

Global debt has exceeded $100 trillion, with governments and companies paying the highest interest costs in 20 years. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), an international organization of 38 member countries that works to shape policies for better lives, reports that its member governments now spend 3.3% of GDP on interest payments—more than on defense. Despite recent interest rate cuts, borrowing costs remain high, and nearly half of all government debt will need refinancing by 2027. This creates particular risks for low-income countries, where over half of debt matures within three years. Dollar-denominated borrowing costs have jumped from […]

Fed Survey Reveals Alarming Drop in Americans’ Ability to Handle $2,000 Emergency

Americans are finding it harder to cover emergencies, according to a February survey from the New York Federal Reserve. Only 62.7% of people believe they could come up with $2,000 within a month if needed—the lowest percentage since tracking began in 2015. This financial squeeze is even worse considering prices have risen 35% since then. While recent inflation numbers were slightly better than expected, experts worry that Trump’s tariffs could push prices higher this year. Fed Chair Powell admitted tariffs are already affecting inflation but doesn’t think this will last long-term. Meanwhile, retailers are seeing signs of consumer strain—Walmart’s CEO […]

Gold Could Hit $3,500 This Year as Citi Raises Price Targets on Strong Demand

Citi Research has increased its 3-month gold price target from $3,000 to $3,200 per ounce, driven by strong demand from official sectors and exchange-traded funds. Their bullish outlook suggests gold could reach $3,500 per ounce by year-end if investors seek protection against potential US economic stagflation or a hard landing.

Asian Gold Demand Crumbles Under High Prices, Indian Imports Hit 20-Year Low

Record gold prices are significantly impacting the Asian market, with India seeing discounts reach an eight-month high of $41 per ounce as demand plummeted. Domestic Indian gold prices surged to an unprecedented 89,796 rupees per 10 grams, climbing more than 15% since the beginning of the year. This price surge has caused Indian gold imports to collapse by 85% in February compared to last year, reaching a 20-year low. Similar patterns are evident in China, where gold traded at discounts of $2-$16 under spot prices. China’s overall gold consumption in 2024 fell 9.58% year-on-year to 985.31 metric tons, with jewelry […]

Trump Declares Mineral Emergency to Counter Chinese Supply Dominance

President Trump has invoked emergency powers using Cold War-era legislation to boost domestic critical mineral production and reduce U.S. dependence on foreign suppliers, particularly China. The executive order directs government agencies to prioritize mining projects, provide technical and financial support, expedite permits, and focus on production from federal lands. This move comes amid escalating trade tensions with China, which recently banned sales of some critical minerals to the U.S. Trump is also pursuing international agreements to secure access to mineral resources in Ukraine, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and has expressed interest in Greenland.

Gold Takes a Breather After Record Run, Still Set for Weekly Gain

Gold pulled back 0.5% to $3,030.81 on Friday as investors took profits after three straight record highs. The retreat was partly due to a stronger U.S. dollar (up 0.2%), which made gold more expensive for foreign buyers. U.S. gold futures also dipped 0.2% to $3,037.70. Despite this decline, gold remains on track for its third weekly gain, rising 1.6% this week and hitting an all-time high of $3,057.21 on Thursday. Exinity Group’s chief analyst Han Tan called this a “healthy pullback” after gold broke above $3,000. Analysts remain optimistic about gold’s future, expecting the uptrend to continue amid market uncertainty, […]

Precious Metal Rally Continues: Gold Approaches $3,060 Amid Trade Tensions

Gold continues to trade near its all-time high of $3,057.49 per ounce as market instability grows over potential trade war escalation. With President Trump’s administration preparing to announce new tariffs on April 2, investors are flocking to gold as a safe haven asset. The precious metal has climbed 16% this year alone, achieving 15 record highs in 2025 and extending its strong performance from last year. Beyond trade concerns, ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine have enhanced gold’s appeal, prompting major financial institutions like Macquarie Group to raise price targets, with predictions reaching as high as $3,500 per […]