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The stock market is reaching new highs as investors anticipate positive earnings reports from major companies. Despite lower forecasts for third-quarter results, there's optimism that companies will surpass expectations, potentially validating the belief in a soft economic landing. With limited economic data available, corporate earnings are expected to be the primary driver of market sentiment in the coming days.
READ MOREChina's finance ministry has pledged increased support for the country's struggling economy, particularly focusing on the property sector and local government debt. While no specific fiscal stimulus measures were announced, the commitment to bolster growth has steadied commodity prices, with iron ore futures showing a notable recovery. Investors remain cautiously optimistic, hoping for more concrete actions to stimulate demand and counteract the ongoing real estate downturn.
READ MOREGold prices remained steady near one-week highs on Monday as China's underwhelming fiscal stimulus dampened risk appetite. Investors are now focusing on comments from U.S. Federal Reserve officials for insights into future interest rate decisions, while weak Chinese economic data presents a mixed outlook for gold demand.
READ MOREFind out why gold investors are excited about the Fed's latest move... and what it could mean for you and your portfolio.
READ MOREDespite a recent decline in gold purchases, gold remains the third most popular investment in Germany after savings accounts and equities. A World Gold Council survey revealed that 28% of Germans currently invest in gold, with many viewing it as an accessible and inflation-resistant asset. The recent slump in demand is attributed to higher prices prompting some investors to sell rather than a loss of interest in gold.
READ MOREGold dealers in India are charging premiums for the first time in two months as the festive season approaches, despite record-high prices dampening sales volume. While sentiment remains positive, consumers are opting for lighter, more affordable jewelry. In contrast, China's gold market sees weak demand post-holidays.
READ MOREUS money-market funds have reached a record $6.47 trillion in assets as investors seek high yields amid anticipated Federal Reserve rate cuts. The funds attracted $11 billion in the week ending October 9, bringing this year's inflows to over half a trillion dollars. Despite a recent Fed rate cut, these funds continue to draw investments due to their superior yields compared to other instruments, particularly bank deposits.
READ MOREJoin Mike Maloney and Alan Hibbard as they dive deep into the ‘last great precious metals bull market’.
READ MOREUS unemployment benefit applications surged to a one-year high last week, with initial claims rising by 33,000 to 258,000. This increase was partly due to Hurricane Helene's impact on southeastern states and a significant jump in claims from Michigan. The surge in jobless claims may complicate the Federal Reserve's efforts to assess the labor market's underlying trends.
READ MOREThe September US Consumer Price Index (CPI) report shows inflation at 2.4% annually, slightly above expectations. While this marks the smallest increase since February 2021, core inflation rose to 3.3%. The Federal Reserve is expected to continue with planned interest rate cuts, but at a more measured pace of quarter-point reductions.
READ MOREThe Social Security Administration has announced a 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2025, which will increase monthly benefits for over 72 million Americans, including retirees and disabled workers. This adjustment, effective January 2025, will add approximately $48 to the average monthly benefit of $1,907, helping beneficiaries cope with inflation. While lower than the 3.2% increase in 2024, this COLA aligns with the average annual adjustments of recent years.
READ MOREFinancial markets are predicting a series of interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve, beginning with a 0.25% reduction in November. The central bank is projected to lower rates to around 3.5% by mid-2025, with some speculation of further cuts. This outlook follows recent economic indicators and the Fed's previous "recalibration" of monetary policy.
READ MOREBond giant PIMCO predicts challenges for U.S. government bonds due to widening budget deficits and possible inflationary trade policies after the November election. Although the firm expects a soft economic landing and sees opportunities in intermediate-duration bonds, it cautions against longer-duration bonds that may be affected by fiscal and trade policies. PIMCO forecasts persistent high deficits and a steepening yield curve, regardless of which party wins the election.
READ MOREThe US Consumer Price Index (CPI) for September showed inflation at 2.4% annually, slightly higher than expected but lower than August's 2.5%. While overall inflation continued to cool, core prices remained sticky, rising 0.3% monthly. This data, combined with strong labor market figures, may influence the Federal Reserve's future interest rate decisions.
READ MOREBill Gross, a renowned investor, suggests that the robust stock market rally of the past five years is slowing down. He advises investors to expect lower but still positive returns, recommending a shift towards defensive stocks while maintaining average market exposure and including a small bond position. Gross cites various factors influencing this outlook, including high valuations, geopolitical risks, and potential changes in the political landscape, balanced against positive forces like moderating inflation and AI investment.
READ MOREThe Federal Reserve's September meeting minutes, set to be released on Wednesday, may reveal the extent of disagreement among policymakers regarding the surprising 50 basis point rate cut. The minutes could provide insight into whether the decision was unanimous or contentious, given the first dissent from a Board Governor in 19 years and the unusually wide range of projections for future rate cuts. This information could help shape expectations for the Fed's monetary policy direction in the coming months.
READ MOREThe Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has reported that the U.S. federal budget deficit reached $1.8 trillion for fiscal year 2024, marking the highest level since the COVID-19 pandemic. This increase from the previous year's $1.7 trillion deficit is attributed to rising interest payments on debt, increased spending on social programs, and tax revenues not keeping pace with expenditures. Despite steady economic growth and low unemployment, the deficit continues to grow, highlighting ongoing fiscal challenges for the U.S. economy.
READ MOREIn this insightful video, Alan Hibbard and Mike Maloney dive deep into the driving factors behind gold’s ongoing bull market, focusing on the key role
READ MOREThe U.S. trade deficit significantly narrowed in August 2024, reaching its smallest level in five months. This reduction was primarily due to a 2% increase in exports, particularly in capital goods and motor vehicles, while imports fell by 0.9%. The trade gap decreased by 10.8% to $70.4 billion, with the $8.5 billion narrowing being the largest since March 2023. This improvement in the trade balance could potentially have a positive impact on the country's gross domestic product for the third quarter.
READ MOREThe Chinese stock market experienced unprecedented volatility and trading volume as mainland markets reopened after the Golden Week holiday. The CSI 300 Index initially surged 11% before quickly retracing, while Hong Kong stocks plummeted 10%. This frenzy was driven by investors rotating from Hong Kong to mainland shares, disappointment over lack of new stimulus details, and a rush of new, young investors entering the market12. The extreme swings and record-breaking turnover have led some analysts to draw parallels with previous boom-bust cycles in Chinese stocks, raising concerns about the sustainability of the recent rally.
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