S&P 500 Approaches Record Territory as Inflation Data Takes Center Stage

Stock markets finished strong last week, with the S&P 500 rising 1.6%, the Nasdaq gaining 2.3%, and the Dow up over 1%, putting the S&P 500 within 2% of all-time highs. The rally followed May’s employment report showing 139,000 jobs added and unemployment holding at 4.2%. This week brings critical inflation data for both consumer and wholesale prices, plus consumer sentiment readings. US-China trade negotiations continue in London as markets seek clarity on tariffs. Corporate highlights include earnings from GameStop, Oracle, and Adobe, plus Apple’s developer conference. While the jobs data eased recession fears and suggests the Fed will maintain […]

London Hosts Crucial US-China Talks on Easing Mutual Export Restrictions

Trade representatives from the United States and China met in London Monday afternoon for critical negotiations on export restrictions. The US administration signaled willingness to remove limitations on some technology exports in exchange for China easing restrictions on rare earth minerals – crucial materials used in electronics and defense systems. Kevin Hassett, head of the White House National Economic Council, told CNBC that export controls could be relaxed after successful negotiations, specifically mentioning semiconductors important to China. However, he emphasized that the most sophisticated AI chips from Nvidia would remain restricted. The talks, which may continue Tuesday, follow a Geneva […]

Chinese Gold Traders Reach Record Positions While Western Investors Hold Back

Chinese gold traders on the Shanghai Futures Exchange (SHFE) have reached record-high positions in gold, even as Western investors and ETF flows remain flat. While Chinese speculators are actively buying, Western traders are waiting for the next catalyst. This split between Eastern buying and Western hesitation suggests gold prices may trade sideways in the near term, though several potential catalysts could trigger the next upward move.

Bullion Premiums Explained: How to Spot Reasonable Prices? 

So, you’re thinking about investing in gold or silver? Smart move, especially with gold hitting an all-time high of $3,500.20 per troy ounce in 2025, and silver surging 15% already this year. But here’s something crucial many new investors overlook: understanding bullion premiums can be the difference between a savvy purchase and overpaying.  Let’s break down everything you need to know about premiums so you can invest with confidence.  The Two-Part Price Tag: Spot Price vs. Premium  When you’re shopping for gold or silver, you’ll notice the price isn’t just about the metal’s value. Every bullion product actually has two […]

State Street Predicts 19% Gold Surge to $4,000 Amid Trump Trade Wars

Gold prices continue their remarkable ascent, climbing 2% this week to $3,357 per ounce, with State Street Global Advisors forecasting a potential surge to $4,000 within the next six to nine months. The asset management firm’s Gold 2025 Midyear Outlook suggests even more dramatic gains ahead, with prices possibly testing $5,000 per ounce over the next 12-24 months. According to Aakash Doshi, State Street’s head of gold strategy, four key factors are propelling gold’s appreciation: market volatility stemming from Trump’s trade policies, concerns over U.S. debt levels, dollar weakness, and sustained central bank gold purchases. The precious metal has gained […]

U.S. Service Sector Contracts as Trade War Uncertainty Freezes Business Activity

The service side of the U.S. economy shrank in May for the first time in almost 12 months, according to the Institute for Supply Management. Their index fell to 49.9% from April’s 51.6%, dropping below the critical 50% threshold that separates growth from contraction. The ongoing trade wars have disrupted businesses across the service sector, despite most companies having less direct exposure to imports and exports than manufacturers. Key indicators painted a concerning picture: new orders plummeted to their lowest level in over three years (46.4%), while inflation pressures intensified with prices jumping to a 2.5-year high (68.7%). Production barely […]

US-China Trade Plummets 34% Despite Tariff Agreement

Chinese exports reached $316 billion in May, growing nearly 5% year-over-year but missing economists’ 6% forecast. The disappointing figure was driven by a dramatic 34.4% collapse in US shipments – the worst decline since February 2020’s pandemic shutdown. This occurred despite a May 12 agreement that temporarily prevented duties of up to 145% on Chinese goods. Meanwhile, exports to other nations rose 11%, with Vietnam seeing a 22% surge as Chinese companies route shipments through third countries to avoid US tariffs. The data highlights China’s economic challenges: while foreign demand drives nearly 40% of growth, domestic consumption remains weak, with […]

Oil Surges Past $65 as US-China Trade Negotiations Fuel Market Optimism

Oil markets are showing strength as West Texas Intermediate crude surpassed $65 per barrel, reaching its highest point since April. The price increase is driven by ongoing US-China trade talks in London, which traders hope will ease tensions between the world’s two largest economies. This recovery comes after oil prices tumbled earlier in the year due to increased OPEC+ production and worries about demand destruction from Trump’s tariff policies. Current market indicators suggest tight supplies, with near-term futures trading at a $1 premium to later contracts. However, analysts caution that strong summer demand may be masking underlying market weaknesses.

Treasury Yields Fall Ahead of High-Stakes U.S.-China London Summit

U.S. Treasury yields edged lower on Monday as markets focused on high-level trade discussions between American and Chinese officials in London. The 10-year Treasury yield fell slightly to 4.504%, while the 2-year yield dropped 2 basis points to 4.02%. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer are meeting with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng for the talks. Investors are also looking ahead to Wednesday’s consumer price index report for insights on how tariffs are impacting the U.S. economy.

Dollar Retreats as Markets Eye Critical US-China Trade Negotiations

Following a rally driven by better-than-expected US employment data, the dollar retreated on Monday as markets turned attention to high-stakes trade negotiations between the US and China in London. The talks seek to address unresolved issues from last month’s Geneva agreement. Economic pressures are mounting on both sides: China faces deepening deflation with factory-gate prices at two-year lows and slowing export growth, while US businesses and consumers grapple with trade uncertainty. The dollar fell 0.46% against the yen to 144.16, while the euro rose 0.2% to $1.1418 and sterling climbed 0.3% to $1.3558. Investors are now watching for May’s US […]