Fed Chair Powell Set to Unveil New Policy Framework at Jackson Hole Summit

Uganda has launched its first large-scale gold mine, the $250 million Chinese-owned Wagagai Gold Mining Project in Busia District, marking a significant shift in the country’s mining strategy. The facility will process 5,000 tons of ore daily and produce approximately 1.2 metric tons of refined gold annually at 99.9% purity. President Museveni emphasized this represents a move away from exporting unprocessed minerals, which has historically denied Uganda significant revenue. The project is expected to generate over $100 million annually for the next 21 years and create more than 3,000 direct jobs. Uganda earned $3.4 billion from gold exports in 2023

A prominent strategist warns that stocks could slide as much as 15% this fall if Fed Chair Jerome Powell fails to deliver a clear dovish signal at the upcoming Jackson Hole symposium. Markets have priced in at least two quarter-point rate cuts for 2025, with the first expected in September, pushing stock indexes to multiple records. However, concerns are mounting that Powell may disappoint investors by maintaining a hawkish stance, especially given recent data showing wholesale inflation surged while consumer prices remain sticky. The high stakes are amplified by President Trump’s public pressure for rate cuts and his criticism of

Gold held steady around $3,340 per ounce following a 1.8% weekly decline, as concerns mount that President Trump’s tariff agenda is creating inflationary pressures in the US economy. The precious metal’s drop came after data showed US wholesale inflation accelerated in July by the most in three years, prompting traders to reduce bets on a Federal Reserve rate cut in September. Higher borrowing costs negatively impact non-interest-bearing gold, while a stronger dollar and rising bond yields following the inflation data added additional pressure. Market participants are now closely watching upcoming consumer price data to gauge whether companies are passing higher

Gold prices rose 0.4% to $3,348.28 per ounce on Monday, bouncing back from a two-week low. The gains were driven by falling U.S. Treasury yields and a weaker dollar, which typically support gold prices. Markets are closely watching President Trump’s meeting with Ukrainian President Zelenskiy and European leaders to discuss potential peace negotiations with Russia. Any easing of geopolitical tensions could soften gold prices slightly. Investors are also anticipating the Federal Reserve’s Jackson Hole symposium for clues about interest rate cuts, with economists expecting at least one rate cut in September.

China’s gold market showed mixed signals in July 2025, with the People’s Bank of China continuing its buying streak by adding 2 tons, marking nine consecutive months of purchases and bringing total reserves to 2,300 tons. However, retail demand remained subdued – Shanghai Gold Exchange withdrawals of 93 tons were well below the 10-year average, while Chinese gold ETFs saw outflows of 2.4 billion yuan ($325 million) as investors shifted to equities amid stronger economic data. Gold imports for the first half of 2025 plunged 62% year-over-year to just 323 tons, reflecting weak jewelry demand at record-high prices despite continued