Gold and Silver Industry & Investing News

Gold held steady just above $3,330 per ounce ahead of the Federal Reserve’s interest rate decision. While the Fed is expected to keep rates unchanged, traders are watching closely for any hints from Chair Jerome Powell about possible rate cuts later this year. Lower rates tend to support gold prices. Despite ongoing trade tensions and geopolitical risks fueling gold’s rise this year, recent progress in U.S.-China talks has not boosted market optimism much.

Gold inched up as the dollar weakened slightly before the Federal Reserve’s upcoming decision on interest rates. Market attention is focused on whether the Fed will signal any rate cuts, which could influence gold prices. Progress in trade talks between the U.S. and China, plus deals with other major economies, has improved market confidence. Meanwhile, silver and platinum prices dipped slightly, while palladium edged higher.

Hedge fund manager Ray Dalio recommends that investors hold about 15% of their portfolio in gold or Bitcoin to balance risk and returns. While Dalio personally prefers gold, he acknowledges Bitcoin’s appeal due to its limited supply and use as a form of money. However, he remains cautious about Bitcoin’s technology and privacy issues, and doubts central banks will adopt it as a reserve currency. Dalio also warned about the risks of rising U.S. debt.

Former Bank of Japan Deputy Governor Hiroshi Nakaso says the U.S. dollar will remain the dominant global currency, but “cracks” are appearing in its supremacy. These cracks are encouraging investors to diversify into other currencies. Nakaso also expects the Bank of Japan to resume interest rate hikes once uncertainties from U.S. tariffs ease. He warns that rising inflation risks in Japan require careful monitoring to avoid falling behind the curve.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick indicated that a 90-day extension of the U.S.-China trade truce is likely as negotiations continue in Stockholm. The current agreement, which eases tariffs and export controls, expires August 12. Meanwhile, President Trump is expected to decide soon on new tariffs for other countries that missed a previous negotiation deadline. Several nations, including Japan and South Korea, are working on deals to reduce their tariffs by offering investment funds in the U.S.

Gold prices recovered slightly after an initial boost from a U.S.-EU trade deal faded. Investors are now focused on the upcoming Federal Reserve meeting for clues on future interest rate moves. While the trade truce brings some optimism, tariffs remain in place, raising concerns about economic growth and inflation. Gold’s role as a safe haven remains important amid ongoing global uncertainties, especially with U.S.-China trade talks continuing.

Newmont, the world’s largest gold miner, posted impressive Q2 results driven by soaring gold prices, with earnings and sales well above forecasts. The company’s shares have climbed 65% so far in 2025. Newmont plans to return value to shareholders through an expanded $6 billion share repurchase program and is steadily lowering its debt. Management remains confident in meeting 2025 production goals and capital spending plans, preparing the company to benefit from potentially higher gold prices ahead.

Bond managers Van Hoisington and Lacy Hunt warn that if the Federal Reserve doesn’t cut rates, it could trigger a “Kindleberger Spiral”—a deflationary downturn caused by tariffs choking trade and capital flows. They explain that shrinking trade reduces foreign investment in U.S. stocks and bonds, risking a repeat of the 1920s–30s when the Bank of England lost reserve-currency status and the Fed failed to provide liquidity. While other central banks are cutting rates, only the U.S. issues the global reserve currency. Despite liquidity risks, the managers support higher tariffs to rebuild U.S. industry and reduce vulnerabilities revealed by recent crises....