Central Banks Sound Alarm: Nearly Half See U.S. Debt Restructuring as Realistic Possibility

A UBS survey of nearly 40 central banks reveals significant concerns about U.S. financial stability. Almost half believe a U.S. debt restructuring is possible, while two-thirds worry about Federal Reserve independence amid criticism from President Trump and White House officials. Despite these concerns, 80% expect the dollar to remain the world’s reserve currency. Central banks are increasingly diversifying into gold, with 67% viewing it as the best investment through 2030. The survey shows growing pessimism about the global economy, with many expecting stagflation rather than a soft landing.

From July to Labor Day: The Evolving Timeline of Trump’s Global Trade Negotiations

President Trump’s trade timeline is shifting. While tariff letters were delivered Monday with a July 9 progress deadline, countries won’t actually pay tariffs until August 1. This gap has confused financial markets. Administration officials are showing flexibility with deadlines. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and economic adviser Stephen Miran suggest countries negotiating in good faith could get extensions, potentially through Labor Day. Despite recent political wins, major trade deals with the EU, India, and Japan remain unfinished—only the UK and Vietnam have framework agreements so far.

Gold-Backed Crypto Tokens See Explosive Growth

Gold’s 27% price surge since late 2024 has sparked massive interest in gold-backed cryptocurrency tokens. The two dominant players, Tether’s XAUT and Paxos’ PAXG, control 85% of the $2.05 billion tokenized gold market. XAUT saw explosive 172% growth in holders, jumping from 3,104 to 8,466 wallets, while PAXG grew 38% to reach 48,763 wallets. Each token represents one troy ounce of physical gold stored in professional vaults.

Gold Retreats to $3,310 as Trade Deal Extensions Signal Reduced Market Tensions

Gold retreated from recent gains, falling to around $3,310 per ounce as markets digested mixed signals from ongoing trade negotiations. The precious metal’s decline reflects reduced safe-haven demand as multiple US trade partners work toward agreements, with Treasury Secretary Bessent suggesting a potential three-week extension beyond the July 9 deadline for countries still negotiating. Despite this optimism, gold found support from President Trump’s firm stance on imposing higher tariffs on non-compliant nations and his confirmation of sweeping reciprocal tariffs starting August 1. The market is also factoring in strong labor market data from last week, which has dampened hopes for […]

Trump Sets August 1 Deadline for New Tariffs as BRICS Nations Push Back

President Trump announced a 10% additional tariff on countries that align with “Anti-American policies of BRICS” during the bloc’s summit in Brazil. Though Trump didn’t define these policies, experts believe he’s targeting BRICS’ push to reduce dependence on U.S.-led financial systems and the dollar. BRICS leaders responded by criticizing “unjustified unilateral protectionist measures” that violate WTO rules. The bloc—including Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—aims to challenge Western economic dominance. Treasury Secretary Bessent confirmed tariff letters will be sent Monday, with new rates taking effect August 1st for countries without U.S. agreements.

BRICS Nations Criticize Rising Tariffs as Trump Threatens 10% Penalty

The BRICS nations met in Brazil for a two-day summit where they criticized rising tariffs and military actions in the Middle East, without directly naming the U.S. or President Trump. Key leaders Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin were notably absent from the in-person meeting. The group condemned attacks on Iran and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, while carefully avoiding criticism of Russia’s actions in Ukraine. In response, Trump threatened to impose an additional 10% tariff on any country aligning with what he called “Anti-American policies of BRICS.” Brazil, as host, tried to focus on less controversial topics like trade and […]

Dollar Gains Ground Ahead of Critical Trade Policy Announcements

The U.S. dollar strengthened slightly on Monday as markets await clarity on President Trump’s tariff plans. A 90-day moratorium on “Liberation Day” tariffs ends Wednesday, with higher rates set to take effect August 1. Trump announced he’ll name about a dozen countries receiving letters with increased levies and threatened an additional 10% tariff on BRICS-aligned nations. Despite the dollar’s recent gains, it remains near multi-year lows, having declined 10% this year as investors question its safe-haven status.

Trump Pushes Tariff Deadline to August 1 as Treasury Yields Stay Flat

Treasury yields showed minimal movement Monday, with the 10-year yield rising slightly to 4.364% and the 2-year yield dipping to 3.874%. The stability comes as investors digest the Trump administration’s decision to extend the tariff reprieve deadline from this week to August 1. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed that countries without trade deals will see tariffs return to April 2 levels if agreements aren’t reached by the new deadline. Adding to trade tensions, President Trump threatened new 10% tariffs on BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, and China), who responded with criticism of U.S. protectionist policies. […]

Gold Drops to One-Week Low While Trade Negotiations Enter Final Days

Gold experienced a notable decline on Monday, falling 0.9% to $3,303.93 per ounce amid dollar strength and trade uncertainty. The dollar’s 0.2% rise against other currencies made gold more expensive for international buyers, contributing to the pullback. Strong U.S. economic data, including solid job growth, has reduced expectations for immediate Federal Reserve rate cuts, further pressuring gold. President Trump’s approaching July 9 deadline for tariff negotiations adds another layer of complexity, with 10% base tariffs on most countries and up to 50% reciprocal rates scheduled for August 1. Trump also threatened an additional 10% tariff on BRICS nations. While Trump […]

Bessent’s Bet: Can Stablecoins Save the Dollar’s Reserve Status Amid Growing Global Skepticism?

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent believes dollar-backed stablecoins could help maintain the US dollar’s dominance as the world’s reserve currency, much like the petrodollar system did in the 1970s. He sees stablecoin regulation as a potential game-changer for the 2020s. However, this vision faces resistance from international financial leaders and central banks. Countries like Hong Kong and South Korea are exploring their own currency-backed stablecoins, while European and global banking officials worry that private digital currencies could undermine monetary policy and public control over money.