100 Days In: Trump’s ‘Strategic Uncertainty’ on Tariffs Leaves Markets Guessing

Recent market data suggests that inflation may remain stubbornly above the Federal Reserve’s 2% target for several years. The five-year breakeven inflation rate currently sits at 2.6% and has consistently stayed above key moving averages since October. Market traders are predicting inflation rates around 2.9% through November, while economists expect January’s headline inflation rate to be 2.8%, with core inflation at 3.1%. Fed Chair Powell has emphasized the need for patience regarding interest rate cuts, particularly as markets assess the potential impact of Trump’s proposed tariffs. The situation is complicated by what experts describe as an “embedded inflationary mindset” among

Russians are increasingly turning to gold as a financial safe haven amid growing economic pressures. Consumer gold purchases hit 75.6 metric tons in 2024, marking a 6% increase from 2023 and a dramatic 62% jump from pre-war levels in 2021. Why? A few reasons: record-high inflation at 9.5%, the ruble’s historic lows, and international sanctions limiting investment options. The trend benefits both consumers and the Russian government, which needs outlets for its annual 300-metric-ton mining output, especially since the central bank has reduced its historically large gold purchases. The strategy has paid off for Russian buyers, with gold prices surging

Gold market experts Frank Giustra and Grant Williams delivered important warnings about the future of gold during their presentation at VRIC. They highlighted a significant divide in how different parts of the world approach gold investment. Eastern investors tend to view gold as a way to preserve wealth over the long term, while Western investors are more attracted to quick gains from technology stocks and cryptocurrencies. The experts warned of an approaching crisis with the U.S. dollar and emphasized that gold will be crucial for protecting investment portfolios. However, they also pointed out serious troubles brewing in the gold mining