Gold and Silver Industry & Investing News

San Francisco Fed President Mary Daly believes the Federal Reserve has achieved a good balance between its dual mandates of employment stability and price control. During a weekend economics conference, she stressed the importance of adapting monetary policy based on evolving conditions while keeping both objectives in focus. This comes after the Fed’s recent decision to maintain interest rates at 4.25%-4.5%, with officials showing divided opinions on future rate cuts. While some Fed officials like Christopher Waller suggest rate cuts could begin as early as July, Daly sees fall as more likely. She also cautioned that central banks should communicate...

The Strait of Hormuz, connecting the Gulf to the Arabian Sea, handles approximately 20 million barrels of oil daily – worth nearly $600 billion annually. This 50km-wide corridor is vital for Middle Eastern oil producers (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar) and their customers, particularly Asian economies. China, India, Japan, and South Korea depend heavily on oil passing through the strait, with some countries receiving up to 75% of their crude oil via this route. Iran could potentially close the strait using mines, fast attack boats, submarines, and anti-ship missiles deployed by its navy and Revolutionary Guard. However, such action...

Goldman Sachs warns that oil prices could surge if problems arise in the Strait of Hormuz—the narrow waterway where much of the world’s oil passes through. The investment bank laid out what could happen: – If oil shipments through the strait were cut in half for a month, oil prices could jump to $110 per barrel – If Iran’s oil production falls by 1.75 million barrels per day, prices could reach $90 per barrel Why now? Tensions are rising in the Middle East. Iran is considering closing the strait after recent U.S. and Israeli military actions against the country. The...

Gen Z, shaped by the 2008 financial crisis and pandemic challenges, is actively preparing for a potential recession through practical strategies. They’re embracing budgeting trends like “no-buy” challenges, using financial apps, and shifting away from “YOLO” spending. Many are developing multiple income streams through side hustles and skill-building, while others are moving back home to reduce expenses and save money. Though these habits provide a stronger financial foundation, external factors like rising rent, student loans, and inflation mean even the best preparation can’t guarantee complete protection from economic downturns.

Global markets shifted toward safe-haven assets Monday after US strikes on Iran escalated Middle East tensions. The dollar strengthened against the euro and other major currencies, while Brent crude oil surged as much as 5.7% to $81.40 per barrel before paring gains. US equity futures declined as investors weighed the risks of Iranian retaliation, including potential disruption to the Strait of Hormuz—a critical passage for global energy supplies. Market experts suggest the reaction has been relatively contained because investors anticipate the conflict will remain localized. However, analysts warn that more aggressive moves could occur if Iran blocks oil shipments or...

Gold experienced a modest decline Monday, dropping 0.4% to $3,354.03 per ounce, as geopolitical tensions paradoxically strengthened the U.S. dollar rather than boosting traditional safe-haven gold. The dollar’s 0.3% rise came after U.S. forces struck Iranian nuclear sites with 30,000-pound bunker-buster bombs, prompting Iran to vow self-defense. President Trump raised questions about regime change in Iran while warning against retaliation. Despite the escalating Middle East conflict, including continued missile exchanges between Iran and Israel, gold showed an “uncharacteristically subdued performance,” according to analysts. Technical analysis suggests gold may test support at $3,348, with potential further decline to $3,324. Other precious...

Gold fell to $3,355 per ounce despite escalating Middle East tensions after the US and Israel attacked Iran’s nuclear facilities over the weekend. After initially rising 0.8%, gold reversed course as the dollar strengthened. Why gold isn’t rallying: While geopolitical conflicts typically boost gold as a safe-haven asset, investors have two main concerns. First, they doubt the conflict will escalate significantly since Iran hasn’t retaliated and lacks support from Russia and China. Second, if tensions spike oil prices and fuel inflation, the Federal Reserve may keep interest rates high – bad news for gold, which pays no yield.  The...

India’s gold market showed mixed signals in May 2024, with gold prices climbing over 30% year-to-date despite a temporary pause in May. While jewelry sales slowed after the wedding season, physical gold investments remained strong, and gold-backed lending surged 120% year-over-year. Gold ETFs returned to positive territory with modest inflows after two months of outflows. The Reserve Bank of India paused its gold purchases but saw gold’s share in forex reserves grow to a record 12.3%. Looking ahead, demand is expected to recover when India’s festive buying season begins in mid-August.

Wealth management firm Brown Shipley is repositioning portfolios away from US assets, citing concerns about political uncertainty, a $1.83 trillion budget deficit, and slowing growth. The S&P 500’s 5.7% decline this year has underperformed other markets, prompting a strategic shift. The firm is now overweight in three key areas: gold (up 18.2% YTD), which benefits from uncertainty and central bank buying; emerging markets (up 4.4% YTD), which could gain from dollar weakness; and Japanese equities, which offer low valuations and benefit from corporate reforms. Chief Investment Officer Daniele Antonucci emphasizes they’re not abandoning the US entirely but recognizing it won’t...