China’s Rare Earth Magnet Exports Surge After U.S. Trade Truce

China dramatically increased its rare earth magnet exports in June—up 158% overall and more than 7x to the U.S.—following a trade truce aimed at easing global tensions. While this surge brings some relief after months of export controls, shipments are still well below historic averages. China produces 90% of the world’s rare earth magnets, vital for everything from EVs to fighter jets. The recent squeeze pushed the U.S. and EU to scramble for alternative sources, including new investments in domestic production. Meanwhile, tensions persist with India and Europe, as licensing backlogs and political concerns remain unresolved.

From Film to Solar: Silver’s Evolving Role in the Global Economy

Silver is trading near historic lows compared to gold, with over 100 ounces of silver now needed to buy one ounce of gold—far above the 25:1 ratio seen in 2011. One reason for this underperformance is the decline in silver’s use in photography, which once consumed 25% of global supply. Today, that figure is just 3%. However, silver’s future is bright: demand from solar panel production now accounts for 16% of global silver use, and its role in battery and clean energy technologies is growing. From a historical perspective, silver appears undervalued relative to gold—making now a potentially attractive entry […]

China Chokes Off Critical Mineral Exports, Sending Prices Soaring

China’s exports of two key minerals—antimony and germanium—have plummeted in recent months amid tighter export controls and a government crackdown on smuggling. June shipments dropped over 88% compared to January. While rare earth exports have rebounded thanks to a U.S.-China deal, supplies of antimony and germanium—used in electronics, solar cells, and military tech—remain near record lows, pushing prices sharply higher.

Gold and Geopolitics: Russia Finds $1B Market in China

As gold prices hit record highs, Russia’s precious metals exports to China nearly doubled, reaching $1 billion in the first half of the year. With Western markets largely closed to Russian bullion since 2022, China has emerged as a crucial trading partner. This shift underscores a broader realignment in global trade, where rising geopolitical tensions and central bank buying are fueling gold’s 28% price surge. Russia’s retail demand for gold is also booming, while major producers like MMC Norilsk Nickel are capitalizing on strong Chinese demand for palladium and platinum—both up sharply this year.

Silver at $50 AUD: What Australian Prices Could Be Telling the World

While many investors track gold and silver prices in U.S. dollars, those watching in Australian dollars have seen something remarkable:  What’s driving these eye-catching numbers? A key factor is currency devaluation.  Back in 2015, the Australian and U.S. dollars were nearly at parity. That same year, Mike identified what he called the bottom of a cyclical correction in the gold market — not a bear market, but a pause in a much larger bull run.  Since then, the Australian dollar has lost around 50% of its value relative to the USD. As a result, gains in gold and silver prices […]

Gold Gains 27% YTD with Fed Split and Tariffs in Focus

Gold prices rose on renewed optimism around U.S. interest-rate cuts and growing uncertainty over global trade policies. Comments from Fed officials show a split on how tariffs may influence inflation, but some—including Governor Waller—support lowering rates, which typically favors gold since it doesn’t offer yield. The metal has already surged 27% this year as investors seek safe-haven assets amid economic and geopolitical tension. Meanwhile, traders are closely watching upcoming tariff decisions, Trump’s pressure on Fed Chair Powell, and how global partners may respond. Silver, platinum, and palladium also climbed alongside gold.

Silver Rises Over $38.50 as Rate Cut Bets Grow and Dollar Slips

Silver extended its rally Monday, nearing $38.50 per ounce, as the U.S. dollar and bond yields declined. The move reflects growing expectations that the Federal Reserve may begin cutting interest rates as soon as July. Fed Governor Christopher Waller pointed to a softening labor market and minimal inflation pressures, signaling room for monetary easing. He also dismissed concerns that tariffs would fuel long-term inflation. Meanwhile, in China, the government’s new industrial action plan—aimed at modernizing sectors like machinery, autos, and electrical equipment—is expected to further lift demand for metals like silver. The initiative spans 10 major industries, supporting broader momentum […]

Gold Slips as Tariff Tensions Keep Markets on Edge

Gold eased lower on Tuesday, slipping 0.5% to $3,328/oz, as traders held back ahead of potential new U.S. tariff decisions. While inflation data showed consumer prices rose in line with expectations, the dollar gained strength, applying additional pressure on gold. Experts suggest that while fundamentals remain bullish—especially with potential Fed rate cuts on the horizon—gold needs a new catalyst to break past $3,400. Investors are now eyeing the Producer Price Index report for further direction. Meanwhile, silver retreated slightly after reaching a multi-year high, with analysts calling any dip a likely buying opportunity.

Inflation Expectations Could Be Gold’s Next Catalyst

According to the latest Atlas Pulse Gold Report, inflation may be the “new elephant in the room” for markets—and it’s setting the stage for a renewed gold rush. Although gold is still consolidating after its April peak, silver, platinum group metals, and gold miners are showing strong signs of life. Importantly, gold isn’t just rising against a weakening U.S. dollar—it’s climbing in nearly every major currency, underscoring a global shift. With the dollar still considered expensive despite a 10% decline this year, a deeper drop could send precious metals sharply higher.

EU Scrambles to Avoid Trump’s 30% Tariff Deadline

High-stakes trade talks between the European Union and the United States are entering a critical phase, with a looming Aug. 1 deadline set by President Trump, who’s threatening to impose a 30% tariff on most EU exports. Despite ongoing negotiations and some hopes for compromise, no decisive breakthrough has been reached. Brussels is preparing countermeasures in case of a no-deal outcome, even signaling willingness to accept an imbalanced deal to avert a tariff wave. The proposed U.S. levies could hit cars, steel, aluminum, and even pharmaceuticals—impacting roughly 70% of EU exports to the U.S. Business leaders are warning that prolonged […]