Reuters Poll: Gold to Maintain Unprecedented Rally Through 2026

For the first time, analysts in a Reuters poll forecast gold to average over $3,000 per ounce, with projections of $3,065 for 2025 and $3,000 for 2026. Gold prices have already risen 25% this year, driven by trade tensions between the US and China, central bank buying, and a move away from the US dollar. Meanwhile, silver is expected to average $33.10 in 2025 and $34.58 in 2026, with future growth supported by industrial demand and a structural market deficit.

Market Optimism Persists Despite 60% Recession Odds

Despite growing recession concerns, the stock market has been climbing due to optimism around Trump’s progress on trade deals and potential tax cuts. While Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s comments about these developments have helped calm Wall Street, economists remain concerned. Wilmington Trust now estimates a 60% chance of recession in the next year. However, stocks may be rising because investors believe much of the potential damage has already occurred in recent market drops, and historically, stocks tend to recover relatively quickly after recession-related declines.

Against Wall Street Consensus: Kevin O’Leary Downplays 2025 Recession Fears

As economic uncertainty grows in the U.S., most major financial institutions including JP Morgan and Goldman Sachs have updated their forecasts to predict a recession in 2025. Consumer confidence has fallen to its lowest point since the COVID-19 pandemic, with many Americans planning to reduce spending. Against this backdrop of trade war tensions that have caused global markets to lose $10 trillion temporarily, “Shark Tank” investor Kevin O’Leary offers a contrarian view. O’Leary O’Leary suggests that recession fears may be exaggerated, though he acknowledges that the U.S.-China trade relationship will play a crucial role in shaping the Federal Reserve’s monetary […]

Trading Trust: How Tariff Policies Triggered the Dollar’s Historic 2025 Decline

The US dollar, traditionally a safe-haven currency during global uncertainty, has become the worst-performing major currency in 2025. Despite its historical dominance since the Bretton Woods system, the dollar has depreciated over 10% from January to April. This decline coincides with escalating trade tensions, including new tariffs implemented by President Trump’s administration. While economic uncertainty typically strengthens the dollar, investors are instead turning to alternatives like the Swiss franc and Japanese yen, potentially signaling a shift in the dollar’s global status.

Consumer Confidence Index Shows Steepest Drop Since Pandemic Onset

Consumer confidence has fallen for the fifth consecutive month, reaching its lowest level since the early COVID-19 pandemic. The Conference Board’s Consumer Confidence Index dropped to 86 in April, below both March’s 92.9 reading and economists’ expectations of 88. Particularly concerning is the Expectations Index, which fell to 54.4 – its lowest since 2011 and well below the 80 threshold that typically signals an upcoming recession. Inflation expectations have risen to 7%, and job outlook has deteriorated significantly, with 32.1% of consumers expecting fewer job opportunities. These concerns appear linked to President Trump’s recent tariff announcements, with consumers worried about […]

Gold Pulls Back After Record Run — What Comes Next?

Gold is still up 44% YoY — but after hitting $3,500, it’s cooling. Is this a reset… or a rare buying window?

World Gold Council: Gold Demand Trends Q1 2025

In Q1 2025, gold demand reached its highest first-quarter level since 2016, totaling 1,206 tonnes—a 1% year-over-year increase. This growth was primarily driven by gold ETF inflows, which contributed to a remarkable 170% surge in total investment demand to 552 tonnes, the highest since Q1 2022. Central banks maintained their gold buying trend with 244 tonnes purchased, while retail investors, especially in China, kept bar and coin demand elevated at 325 tonnes (15% above the five-year average). Technology sector demand remained unchanged at 80 tonnes, benefiting from AI industry growth but facing potential challenges from tariff uncertainties. The record-high gold […]

Trade War Shifts: Beijing Offers Secret Exemptions While Trump Claims China Will ‘Absorb’ Tariff Costs

According to reports, China has quietly exempted select US goods from its 125% tariffs to ease trade tensions without making public concessions. Companies in pharmaceuticals and technology sectors are being privately informed of these exemptions, with recent examples including US ethane and semiconductor products. Meanwhile, President Trump has defended his 145% tariffs on Chinese imports, claiming China will “eat” the costs rather than US consumers. Despite this tough public stance, his administration is reportedly considering phased reductions and reviving trade talks. The tariffs have already caused a 60% decline in cargo shipments, with experts warning of supply shortages and job […]

As Copper Production Rises 30%, Zambia Prepares Local Content Regulations

Zambia’s Ministry of Mines plans to announce new regulations by the end of June that will require mining companies to prioritize local suppliers for goods and services. The government is currently consulting with mining industry stakeholders about these local content rules, which will be part of the recently enacted Geological and Minerals Development Act. Major copper producers in Zambia include First Quantum Minerals, Barrick Gold, and International Resources Holding. Zambia’s copper production increased by nearly 30% in the first quarter compared to last year, reaching 224,104 metric tons.

US Economy Takes First Downturn Since 2022 as Q1 GDP Falls 0.3%

For the first time since early 2022, the US economy has experienced negative growth. According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, GDP contracted at a 0.3% annual rate in the first three months of 2025, underperforming economists’ predictions. The downturn follows a strong fourth quarter in 2024 when the economy grew at 2.4%. A major factor in the decline was increased imports, which count against GDP measurement.