Trade Optimism Boosts Dollar and Pressures Gold Despite Ongoing Geopolitical Conflicts

The government shutdown is ending after 41 days, but Americans face mounting economic pressures—job security concerns are spiking, and car loan delinquencies just hit levels not seen since before the 2008 crisis. Washington’s response? Trump’s proposed $2,000 “tariff dividend” checks that would require borrowing $100+ billion we don’t have. As fiscal irresponsibility accelerates and economic warning lights flash, silver has surged 58% since April, crushing gold’s 24% gains—a reminder that precious metals shine brightest when monetary discipline fades.

Gold and silver rallied Tuesday as economic warning signs mounted and JPMorgan forecast gold could reach $5,000 by 2026. The U.S. private sector shed jobs in late October while consumer spending showed fresh cracks, with even affordable chains like Chipotle feeling the pinch. As a record 42-day government shutdown nears its end, investors are betting the Fed will need to cut rates sooner than expected.