Silver Surges to 13-Year High Amid Trade War Fears

Silver broke through $37 per ounce, marking its highest level since 2011 as geopolitical tensions and tariff shocks renewed safe-haven buying. The move came after Trump announced a 35% tariff on Canadian imports and hinted at broad new trade levies on major global partners. Heavy 50% tariffs on copper and goods from Brazil earlier in the week added fuel to the fire. While bullish momentum remains strong, a firmer U.S. dollar and cautious Fed commentary may temper near-term upside. Chicago Fed President Goolsbee stressed that interest rate decisions will remain focused on inflation and jobs—not political pressure.

Safe-Haven Demand Pushes Gold Higher Amid Tariff Shock

Gold prices rose for a third straight session as investors rushed toward safe-haven assets after U.S. President Trump announced steep new tariffs—including a 35% tariff on Canadian imports and potential blanket tariffs on other countries. The escalation of trade tensions has sparked fears of an economic slowdown, prompting investors to seek stability in precious metals. In addition, the Federal Reserve signaled that rate cuts are still possible this year, which further supports gold’s appeal. Silver and palladium also posted gains, with palladium rising over 2%. Meanwhile, rising premiums in U.S. futures for silver, platinum, and palladium reflect increased demand and […]

Wealthy Indians Reshape Portfolios and Embrace Gold

The HSBC 2025 Affluent Investor Snapshot surveyed over 10,000 wealthy investors globally and found Indian high-net-worth individuals leading a transformation in investment behavior. Key findings include: Gold allocation nearly doubled from 8% to 15% in portfolios – Shift from traditional equities and real estate to managed funds and alternative investments – Lowest cash allocation in Asia (15%), indicating confidence in growth investments – Strong international diversification focus, with 40% planning overseas investments This represents a fundamental shift from passive wealth preservation to active, globally-diversified wealth creation strategies.

RBA Launches Live Trials for Central Bank Digital Currency

Australia just took a big step toward launching a digital currency — but not for everyday consumers. The Reserve Bank of Australia is testing a wholesale CBDC with real money and real assets through a new program called “Project Acacia.” Over the next six months, the RBA and industry partners will explore how digital money could make financial markets run more smoothly. The focus is on things like bond settlements, private investments, and carbon credit trading — not buying coffee with crypto. Instead of creating a digital dollar for the public, the RBA is focused on making institutional finance faster, […]

Brazil Inflation Misses Target for Sixth Straight Month

Brazil’s inflation climbed to 5.35% in June, marking the sixth straight month above the central bank’s 3% target and signaling continued pressure on the country’s monetary policy. While the Selic rate was raised to a 15% high in June — the highest in nearly two decades — the central bank may now pause further hikes as it assesses the impact. A tight labor market and elevated public spending are complicating efforts to control prices, especially with eight out of nine consumer categories seeing gains in June. Electricity and housing costs were the biggest drivers, while food prices declined slightly. Investors […]

India Tiptoes Around BRICS Tariffs as U.S. Trade Deal Hangs in Balance

India is walking a diplomatic tightrope as President Trump ramps up tariffs on BRICS countries and accuses the group of trying to undermine the U.S. dollar. While Trump has threatened a 10% tariff on all BRICS members — including India — New Delhi is distancing itself from anti-dollar efforts and positioning itself as a neutral player focused on reducing risk, not de-dollarization. India’s strategy: stay quiet on Trump’s rhetoric, avoid public criticism, and emphasize its lack of interest in a joint BRICS currency. Officials hope this stance — along with India’s long-standing strategic ties with the U.S. — will shield […]

Nvidia Hits $4 Trillion — But Are Markets Near a Tipping Point?

Nvidia has become the first company to hit a $4 trillion market cap, riding the AI wave and sustained demand for its cutting-edge chips. Shares hit a record high Wednesday and continued climbing Thursday, as investors remain bullish on the company’s dominance in AI hardware and software. Major tech firms like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft are pouring billions into Nvidia’s chips to build out massive AI data centers. Despite a $4.5 billion loss from U.S. export bans to China — and more to come — Nvidia continues to grow, bolstered by sovereign AI contracts and the upcoming release of its […]

Clock Ticking: Copper Market Scrambles to Beat August 1 Tariff Deadline

Copper traders are racing against time as President Trump’s 50% tariff on imports is set to take effect August 1. With U.S. copper futures trading at a 25% premium to global prices, the rush is on to complete shipments and lock in profits before the tariff hits. To speed things up, cargoes are being diverted to faster U.S. entry points like Hawaii and Puerto Rico, while inventories surge at hubs like New Orleans and Panama City. Some traders are even paying $400 per ton above London prices to secure qualifying copper. But major questions remain: Will the tariff apply to […]

Japan’s Election Promises and Tariff Worries Shake Bond Market Confidence

Japan is preparing for a major bond auction this week, and markets are on edge. A sale of 20-year government bonds on Thursday comes as investors worry about rising yields and the country’s growing debt. Those concerns are being fueled by politics—Japan’s ruling party is promising cash giveaways to win votes, while opposition leaders push for tax cuts. With elections just around the corner, big institutional investors are expected to sit on the sidelines, waiting to see how the government handles spending after July 20. Even though Japan has trimmed how many long-term bonds it plans to sell, yields are […]

Brazil Vows Retaliation After Trump Hits Imports With 50% Tariff

Tensions are rising between Brazil and the United States after President Trump announced a steep 50% tariff on Brazilian imports, set to take effect August 1. In response, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva vowed to retaliate with equivalent countermeasures, invoking a newly passed law that permits proportional responses to foreign economic actions. Trump’s tariff announcement cited both economic grievances and political motivations, including Brazil’s prosecution of former President Jair Bolsonaro, a Trump ally. The letter Trump sent to Lula accused Brazil of undermining free speech and digital trade, though his claims conflict with U.S. government trade data showing […]