Companies Hold Steady on Hiring Despite Rising Unemployment Claims

The latest Labor Department report shows unemployment claims rose to their highest level since October, reaching 241,000 after an 18,000 increase. This spike was primarily caused by seasonal school holiday effects in New York state, not tariff concerns. Despite this increase, large-scale layoffs aren’t happening, as businesses evaluate economic conditions. Markets responded positively, with stocks set to open higher and Treasury yields declining slightly.

Treasury Market Steady Despite GDP Contraction and Rising Jobless Claims

Treasury yields held stable on Thursday despite two concerning economic reports. First, the U.S. economy contracted at a 0.3% rate in Q1 2024—its first decline in three years. Second, weekly jobless claims rose to 241,000, exceeding economists’ expectations of 225,000. The benchmark 10-year Treasury yield dipped slightly to 4.148%, while the 2-year yield fell to 3.582%. The GDP decline was largely driven by surging imports (ahead of President Trump’s April tariff order) and reduced federal spending, while consumer spending grew at just 1.8%. Inflation data was mixed, with the Fed’s preferred measure (PCE index) showing a quarterly increase but remaining […]

Conflicting Narratives: US Reportedly Approaches China for Tariff Talks While Publicly Demanding Beijing Make First Move

Chinese state media reports the US government has secretly reached out to Beijing about tariff talks, contradicting public US positions. While Trump and Treasury Secretary Bessent publicly demand China make the first move, two opposing narratives have emerged: Trump projects confidence while using falling trade as leverage, while Chinese media portrays the US as “anxious” under economic pressure. Meanwhile, the US economy has contracted for the first time since 2022, partly due to Trump’s trade policies, with American consumers already paying higher prices for Chinese goods despite Trump’s claims China would bear the cost of his 145% tariffs.

Despite 23% Yearly Gain, Gold Slides on Renewed Trade Optimism

Gold’s price dropped by 2.1% to its lowest point in two weeks as improving trade talk prospects dampened demand for safe-haven assets. The decline came after announcements that the US Trade Representative is close to finalizing deals and reports of communication between the US and Beijing. Even with this recent drop, gold remains up 23% this year, having reached an all-time high above $3,500 last week, supported by global economic concerns, Chinese speculation, and central bank acquisitions.

Gold-to-Silver Ratio Over 100: What It Means for Silver’s Next Move

Silver is flashing a historic signal.   Right now, the gold-to-silver ratio is over 100 — a level so extreme it’s only occurred a handful of times in the past century. When it reverts (and history shows it always does), silver could deliver enormous gains…   In Mike Maloney’s latest video, he and Allan Hibbard unpack the rare setup unfolding right now — and why this may be the best opportunity in years for silver investors. Mike says buying silver today is like buying gold at up to a 90% discount.  Watch now to discover: 

Gold Falls Below $3,250 as Markets React to Potential Trade Breakthroughs

Gold prices dropped nearly 2% on Thursday to $3,222.66 per ounce, reaching a two-week low. This decline came as President Trump announced potential trade deals with India, South Korea, and Japan, which increased investor risk appetite and reduced demand for gold as a safe-haven asset. A strengthening U.S. dollar also contributed to gold’s price drop. Despite the current decline, analysts suggest that a weaker U.S. employment report (due Friday) could potentially drive gold prices up to $3,500 in coming months. Meanwhile, the U.S. economy contracted in Q1 fiscal 2025 for the first time in three years, partly due to businesses […]