Fed Minutes Reveal Deep Concerns Over Inflation Persistence

Federal Reserve officials are caught between two major concerns: persistent inflation driven by trade policies and the growing risk of recession. At their May 6-7 meeting, Fed officials decided to maintain interest rates at 4.25%-4.5% for the third consecutive meeting, choosing a cautious “wait-and-see” approach. While officials worry that inflation could become entrenched in consumer expectations, Fed staff warned that recession is nearly as likely as continued growth. The unemployment rate is expected to rise significantly by year-end and remain elevated through 2027. Markets anticipate two rate cuts this year, with the first potentially coming in September.

DeSantis Signs Historic Law: Floridians Can Now Pay Bills with Precious Metals

Florida has become the first major US state to allow gold and silver as legal tender for everyday transactions. Governor Ron DeSantis signed HB 999 into law, enabling money service businesses like PayPal to accept precious metals as payment. The law requires coins to meet specific purity standards and exempts them from sales tax. DeSantis positioned this move as a way to protect Floridians from inflation and federal monetary policy, giving residents an alternative to the US dollar. The legislation represents Florida’s push for greater financial freedom and reduced dependence on centralized currency control.

Oil Markets Rally 1.5% as Trade Court Blocks Import Levies

Oil prices rose by 1.5% on Thursday after a U.S. court blocked President Trump’s broad tariffs on imports, providing temporary relief to markets concerned about economic growth. Brent crude reached $65.84 per barrel while WTI hit $62.74. The market is also monitoring potential new sanctions on Russian oil and an upcoming OPEC+ decision about increasing production in July. Additional supply concerns include Chevron’s terminated operations in Venezuela after losing its license. Despite various supply risks, analysts expect oil demand to outpace supply through August.

US Jobless Claims Jump to 240,000

US unemployment claims rose to 240,000 last week—14,000 more than the previous week and above the expected 226,000. However, the job market remains strong overall, with minimal layoffs and abundant job opportunities. The increase coincides with uncertainty over President Trump’s tariff plans. While a federal court blocked his emergency tariff powers (easing market concerns), the administration is appealing to the Supreme Court, keeping the outcome uncertain. The economic picture is mixed: The Fed is holding interest rates at 4.3% as both inflation and unemployment risks rise. The economy shrank 0.2% in Q1 2025, partly from companies stockpiling imports before potential […]

10 Reasons to Invest in Gold

There are many compelling reasons to invest in gold, especially in today’s unpredictable markets and economic landscape. As a time-tested asset, gold offers stability, helps preserve purchasing power, and acts as a powerful hedge against inflation and risk. Its ability to diversify your portfolio and withstand volatility makes gold an essential part of any resilient investment strategy.  Here are ten compelling reasons to invest in gold and why it deserves a place in your portfolio in 2025. 1️⃣ Gold Protects Your Wealth from Inflation  Gold’s scarcity and intrinsic value make it a reliable hedge against inflation. Unlike fiat currencies, which […]

Federal Spending Climbs 8.7% Despite DOGE Cost-Cutting Initiative

Despite high-profile cutbacks and the creation of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), federal spending has increased 8.7% since President Trump took office compared to the same period in 2024. The main drivers of this increase are the usual suspects: Social Security, Medicare, other social insurance programs, and interest payments on federal debt. While some agencies like the Department of Education and USAID show spending declines, these cuts are overshadowed by the growth in mandatory spending programs. Court orders have also temporarily halted many proposed cuts, limiting DOGE’s immediate impact on the federal budget.

Dollar Rally Loses Steam Amid Fiscal Concerns

The US dollar initially rose after a court blocked President Trump from imposing broad import tariffs, but the rally quickly lost steam. The dollar ended Thursday with only minor gains against major currencies like the yen and Swiss franc. Market concerns shifted back to ongoing trade uncertainty and worries about America’s fiscal outlook, especially if tariff revenues are limited. While the court ruling temporarily halted Trump’s universal tariff plans, investors remain cautious as the administration may pursue alternative methods to implement its trade agenda.

Federal Judges Rule Trump Needs Congress to Impose Sweeping Import Taxes

A federal court has blocked President Trump from imposing broad tariffs on imports using emergency powers, dealing a major blow to his economic agenda. The three-judge panel ruled that Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs exceeded his presidential authority. While Trump argued these tariffs would bring manufacturing jobs back to America and reduce trade deficits, the court found he needs Congressional approval for such sweeping measures. The White House plans to appeal, calling trade deficits a national emergency. Some limited tariff options remain available to Trump, including 15% taxes for 150 days on certain countries and existing national security-based tariffs on autos, […]

The Road to Triple-Digit Silver: What’s Driving the Surge?

In a recent GoldSilver episode, Mike Maloney and Alan Hibbard sift through a slew of insightful comments from viewers on their latest silver videos.

Gold Climbs Back Above $3,300 as Court Blocks Trump Tariffs

Gold prices bounced back Thursday after hitting a one-week low, rising to over $3,3000 per ounce. The recovery followed a court ruling that blocked President Trump’s broad tariffs, though the White House plans to appeal. Traders are now watching for Friday’s key U.S. inflation data (PCE figures) to gauge Federal Reserve policy direction. The dollar’s weakness and ongoing economic uncertainty continue to support gold’s appeal as a safe-haven asset.