Uganda Launches $250M Chinese-Backed Gold Refinery to Transform Mining Sector

Uganda has launched its first large-scale gold mine, the $250 million Chinese-owned Wagagai Gold Mining Project in Busia District, marking a significant shift in the country’s mining strategy. The facility will process 5,000 tons of ore daily and produce approximately 1.2 metric tons of refined gold annually at 99.9% purity. President Museveni emphasized this represents a move away from exporting unprocessed minerals, which has historically denied Uganda significant revenue. The project is expected to generate over $100 million annually for the next 21 years and create more than 3,000 direct jobs. Uganda earned $3.4 billion from gold exports in 2023 […]

Fed Chair Powell Set to Unveil New Policy Framework at Jackson Hole Summit

The Federal Reserve’s annual Jackson Hole Economic Symposium is set to begin Thursday evening, August 21-23, 2025, at a pivotal moment for global monetary policy. Fed Chair Jerome Powell is expected to unveil the central bank’s new policy framework in his Friday speech, outlining the strategy for achieving inflation and employment goals. Markets are watching closely for hints about the Fed’s September meeting, as officials remain divided on when to resume rate cuts amid persistent inflation concerns and labor market slowdown signs. The symposium’s theme, “Labor Markets in Transition: Demographics, Productivity, and Macroeconomic Policy,” reflects current economic challenges facing policymakers […]

Powell’s Tightrope Walk: How Jackson Hole Speech Could Make or Break Stock Rally

A prominent strategist warns that stocks could slide as much as 15% this fall if Fed Chair Jerome Powell fails to deliver a clear dovish signal at the upcoming Jackson Hole symposium. Markets have priced in at least two quarter-point rate cuts for 2025, with the first expected in September, pushing stock indexes to multiple records. However, concerns are mounting that Powell may disappoint investors by maintaining a hawkish stance, especially given recent data showing wholesale inflation surged while consumer prices remain sticky. The high stakes are amplified by President Trump’s public pressure for rate cuts and his criticism of […]

Gold Steadies After 1.8% Weekly Drop as Trump Tariffs Fuel Inflation Fears

Gold held steady around $3,340 per ounce following a 1.8% weekly decline, as concerns mount that President Trump’s tariff agenda is creating inflationary pressures in the US economy. The precious metal’s drop came after data showed US wholesale inflation accelerated in July by the most in three years, prompting traders to reduce bets on a Federal Reserve rate cut in September. Higher borrowing costs negatively impact non-interest-bearing gold, while a stronger dollar and rising bond yields following the inflation data added additional pressure. Market participants are now closely watching upcoming consumer price data to gauge whether companies are passing higher […]

Precious Metals Rally: Gold Recovers from 2-Week Low Ahead of Trump-Zelenskiy Summit

Gold prices rose 0.4% to $3,348.28 per ounce on Monday, bouncing back from a two-week low. The gains were driven by falling U.S. Treasury yields and a weaker dollar, which typically support gold prices. Markets are closely watching President Trump’s meeting with Ukrainian President Zelenskiy and European leaders to discuss potential peace negotiations with Russia. Any easing of geopolitical tensions could soften gold prices slightly. Investors are also anticipating the Federal Reserve’s Jackson Hole symposium for clues about interest rate cuts, with economists expecting at least one rate cut in September.