BIS Warns: Fed Faces “Impossible Choice” as Tariffs Risk Reigniting Inflation

A major warning from the Bank for International Settlements suggests Trump’s trade policies threaten to undo recent progress on inflation control. BIS General Manager Agustin Carstens reports that tariffs are creating economic uncertainty comparable to crisis conditions, potentially forcing central banks into a corner. The Fed faces the worst-case scenario: rising prices from import tariffs combined with slowing economic growth. This “stagflation” risk means traditional monetary tools become less effective – raising rates hurts growth while cutting rates fuels inflation. For precious metals investors, this environment historically favors gold and silver as hedges against currency debasement and economic uncertainty. The […]

CBO: GOP Tax Plan Would Balloon Federal Deficit by $3.3 Trillion Over Next Decade

The Congressional Budget Office warns the Senate Republican tax bill would add $3.3 trillion to the national debt over the next decade and leave 11.8 million Americans uninsured by 2034. The bill extends $3.8 trillion in Trump-era tax cuts, paying for them through cuts to Medicaid and food aid programs. However, Republicans are split on how deep these cuts should go. Republicans dispute the CBO’s numbers, using alternative calculations that show the bill reducing deficits by $500 billion instead. Democrats call this “magic math.” The bill narrowly advanced 51-49 after lengthy negotiations, suggesting a tough road ahead.

Crude Prices Retreat Below $68 on Peace Deal and OPEC+ Supply Boost

Global oil markets experienced a 1% decline on Monday, driven by two key factors: easing Middle East tensions and anticipated supply increases. The Iran-Israel ceasefire, announced by President Trump after a 12-day conflict, removed much of the geopolitical risk premium that had pushed Brent crude above $80 per barrel. Prices have now retreated to $67.11 for Brent and $64.58 for WTI crude. Looking ahead, OPEC+ is expected to approve another production increase of 411,000 barrels per day at their July 6 meeting, marking the fifth consecutive monthly output boost since April. Despite the recent decline, oil prices remain on track […]

Fed Divided: July Rate Cut Possible if Tariff Impact Stays Mild

Federal Reserve officials are sending mixed signals about when interest rates might be cut in 2025. Minneapolis Fed President Neel Kashkari says the timing will depend on how President Trump’s tariffs affect inflation and jobs. While the Fed kept rates steady at 4.25-4.50% in June, some officials suggest cuts could come as early as late July if tariff impacts prove mild. The Fed is balancing its goals of controlling inflation while keeping unemployment low as they monitor economic data over the next three months.

Trump Demands Fed Rates Be Cut in Half, Calls Powell “Stupid” in TV Interview

President Trump criticized Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell on Sunday, claiming he’s keeping interest rates “artificially high” and calling him a “stupid person.” Trump believes rates should be at 1-2% instead of the current 4.25-4.5% range. The President said he won’t appoint a new Fed chair unless they agree to cut rates immediately, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent suggesting a replacement could be nominated as early as October 2025, months before Powell’s term ends in May 2026.

Trump Confirms July 9 Tariff Deadline Will Stand, No Extension Planned

President Donald Trump confirmed in a Fox News interview that he doesn’t plan to extend the current 90-day pause on global tariffs past the July 9 deadline. The administration will begin sending notification letters to countries “pretty soon” before the deadline, informing them of impending tariffs that could range from 10% to 50%. Trump indicated that the specific tariff rate for each country will depend on their trade relationship with the US, stating “We’ll look at how a country treats us — are they good, are they not so good.” While the administration initially aimed to negotiate 90 separate trade […]

Markets Bet on Fed Rate Cuts as Dollar Weakens Amid Trade Optimism

The US dollar weakened against major currencies on Monday as investors became more optimistic about potential trade deals between the United States and other countries. This optimism increased expectations that the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates sooner, with markets now pricing in a 93.3% chance of a rate cut by September. The dollar fell to multi-year lows against the euro, British pound, and Swiss franc after the White House made progress on trade negotiations with China and Canada.

Australian Scientists Crack the Code: Safe Gold Extraction Without Toxic Chemicals

Australian researchers have created a toxin-free method to extract gold from ore and e-waste. The breakthrough uses a safe water treatment compound activated by saltwater to dissolve gold, which is then captured by a reusable polymer. This eliminates the need for deadly chemicals like cyanide and mercury that have long poisoned water sources and threatened health, revolutionizing sustainable mining.

Precious Metal Rises 0.3% as Dollar Weakens, Tax and Trade Uncertainty Grows

Gold posted modest gains on Monday, climbing 0.3% to $3,284.98 per ounce, breaking a two-week losing streak. The precious metal benefited from a 0.2% decline in the US dollar as markets closely watch two key developments: ongoing Senate negotiations over President Trump’s massive $4.5 trillion tax bill and trade talks with multiple nations. The tax package faces resistance from fiscal conservatives concerned about ballooning deficits, with voting expected to extend into Monday. On the trade front, uncertainty remains high with just 10 days until Trump’s country-specific tariffs resume on July 9. While White House advisers suggest progress on several trade […]

Gold Climbs Above $3,280 as Dollar Hits 3-Year Low Ahead of Key Jobs Data

Gold prices rose 0.4% to $3,287.29 per ounce on Monday, supported by a weakening U.S. dollar that hit its lowest level in over three years. The precious metal has gained 5.3% this quarter as investors anticipate Federal Reserve rate cuts beginning in September. Markets are closely watching upcoming U.S. jobs data, including Wednesday’s ADP report and Thursday’s non-farm payrolls, which could influence the Fed’s decisions on interest rates. President Trump’s recent comments about preferring Fed leadership that supports lower rates have also contributed to gold’s strength.