US Manufacturing Contracts as Tariff Uncertainty Rattles Factory Sector

US manufacturing activity contracted in March for the first time this year, with the ISM index falling to 49 from 50.3 (readings below 50 indicate contraction). Meanwhile, prices paid for materials surged 7 points to 69.4, the highest since June 2022, marking a concerning 14.5-point increase over two months. The contraction appears linked to uncertainty around the Trump administration’s tariff policies, with factory orders slumping to their weakest level since May 2023, production shrinking, and employment contracting at the fastest pace since September as manufacturers pause investment plans amid policy uncertainty.

Moody’s Signals Potential US Debt Downgrade

Moody’s ratings agency has warned it may downgrade US government debt in 2025, following similar moves by S&P and Fitch who already reduced US ratings from AAA to AA+. Moody’s currently maintains an AAA rating but with a negative outlook since 2023. The agency is concerned about unchecked federal debt growth (now at 100% of GDP compared to 44% for other AAA-rated nations), rising interest costs, and declining debt affordability. The situation appears likely to worsen as Congress prepares to pass Trump-backed tax cuts and extensions later this year. The Congressional Budget Office projects debt will reach 119% of GDP […]

HSBC: U.S. Recession, Stagflation, and Debt Concerns Could All Boost Gold

HSBC sees three ways gold could strengthen during what they call a “US-driven” market correction: 1. U.S. Recession Scenario: If recession fears grow, investors would move away from risky assets. This would weaken the dollar and lower Treasury yields, pushing more investors toward gold as a safe haven. 2. U.S. Stagflation Scenario: If the economy faces both weak growth and high inflation at the same time, gold could see even stronger gains. Under these conditions, Treasury yields would hit a floor while risky assets decline. 3. U.S. Debt Concerns: If the government pursues more tax cuts or extends existing ones, […]

Market Anxiety Propels Gold to 40% Annual Gain Amid Trade War Fears

Gold prices have reached unprecedented heights, up a substantial 40% increase from a year ago and a 19% rise since the beginning of 2025. This surge comes as global markets continue to decline due to growing anxiety over President Trump’s protectionist trade policies, with his latest round of tariffs scheduled for implementation on Wednesday—a day he’s dubbed “Liberation Day.” Investors are increasingly turning to gold as a safe haven during this period of economic uncertainty. Market confidence has been steadily eroding since the start of the year, with both businesses and consumers expressing concerns about inflation and the impact of […]

Universal vs. Reciprocal: Trump’s Trade Team Divided Over Tariff Strategy

President Trump has confirmed he’s decided on his “Liberation Day” tariff plan but hasn’t revealed the details ahead of Wednesday’s announcement. The White House is divided between two approaches: – A universal 20% tariff on almost all imports – A “reciprocal” country-by-country approach with different rates that could be negotiated This split reflects Trump’s competing goals for tariffs: – Generate revenue (possibly $600 billion annually according to adviser Peter Navarro) to help offset tax cuts – Use tariffs as leverage to pressure other countries to lower their duties or make policy changes on issues like migration and drug trafficking

Gold Hits Fourth Straight Record High as Markets Brace for Trump’s ‘Liberation Day’ Tariffs

Global stocks rose Tuesday while gold hit a new record of $3,148.88 per ounce as markets await Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariff announcement on April 2. Safe-haven assets gained strength with Treasury yields dropping and the Japanese yen and Swiss franc holding firm. European stocks increased 0.9% by midday, with pharmaceutical and tech sectors leading the recovery. The U.S. Trade Representative released a lengthy report on foreign trade barriers, but its relationship to Trump’s tariff plans remains unknown. According to The Washington Post, White House aides have drafted a proposal for roughly 20% tariffs on most U.S. imports. Market volatility has […]

South African Gold Mining Stocks to All-Time Best Month

South African mining stocks posted their strongest monthly performance since records began in 1995, jumping 33% in March on the back of surging gold prices. This exceptional performance shielded South Africa’s benchmark FTSE/JSE All Share Index from global market volatility, allowing it to gain 3.1% for the month and outperform both emerging-market peers and US equities. Gold producers dominated the gains, with Harmony Gold Mining Co. and Sibanye Stillwater Ltd. both soaring 48% to become the benchmark’s top performers. Gold has hit multiple record highs this year, approaching $3,150 an ounce, driven by central bank buying and safe-haven demand amid […]

Gold Mining Stocks Surge 34% as Precious Metal Hits 18 Record Highs in 2025

Gold just had its best quarter in nearly 40 years, with prices hitting a record $3,150.30 — up 19.3% in the first quarter of 2025. This is the strongest performance since the third quarter of 1986, with 18 record-high closings already this year. Two main factors are driving gold’s surge: – Central banks (especially China) are buying gold to reduce their dependency on the U.S. dollar after Russian assets were frozen – Strong retail demand, with gold bars becoming a top seller at Costco and investors pouring money into gold ETFs Gold mining companies are performing even better, with the […]

Investors Flock to Gold as Trump’s Tariff Announcement Approaches

Gold prices hit a record high near $3,150 an ounce at the start of the second quarter, continuing a four-day winning streak. This surge comes as investors seek safe-haven assets amid concerns over President Trump’s planned announcement of sweeping tariffs against all U.S. trading partners on Wednesday. Gold has been one of the strongest performing commodities in 2025, with its best quarter since 1986 in the first three months, driven by consistent central bank buying and increased demand during geopolitical and economic uncertainties.

MARKET CRASH IMMINENT? The “Blood Indicator” Warns of Trouble Ahead

Are we on the verge of another epic stock market crash — or worse, a “lost decade” where equities go nowhere?Join us as we dive into the “Blood Indicator,” a historic signal that has often preceded major market downturns. In this discussion with Alan Hibbard and Mike Maloney, you’ll discover:  Don’t be caught unprepared.  If you’re concerned about protecting your wealth and finding opportunities during uncertain times, this is a must-watch. Learn what you can do to stay ahead of the storm.