Gold and Silver Industry & Investing News

The world’s top central bankers from the US, Europe, Britain, Japan, and South Korea will meet in Sintra, Portugal next week to discuss global economic issues. While inflation appears controlled in most countries, the bigger concern is whether President Trump’s protectionist policies could threaten the US dollar’s 80-year dominance in global finance. Fed Chair Jerome Powell faces particular scrutiny as he resists Trump’s pressure to cut interest rates, with fears that any threat to the Fed’s independence could weaken the dollar’s status as the world’s preferred currency.

The World Gold Council (WGC) is launching a major digital initiative to transform the gold market. CEO David Tait revealed that 50% of people don’t trust gold and 60% don’t understand how to invest in it safely. To address these issues, the WGC is partnering with the London Bullion Market Association to create a blockchain-based database that tracks gold from mine to market. This “Gold Bar Integrity” system will ensure gold is responsibly sourced and refined, making the market more transparent and trustworthy. The goal is to standardize the fragmented global gold market and make it more attractive to investors.

The Silver Institute’s comprehensive World Silver Survey 2025 reveals another year of historic deficit for the white metal, marking the fifth consecutive year of supply shortages. The 92-page report shows the global silver market recorded a deficit of 148.9 million ounces in 2024 (down from 200.6 million ounces in 2023), with industrial demand reaching a new record high of 680.5 million ounces. Key highlights include: Silver prices averaged $28.27/oz in 2024, up 21% year-over-year and the highest since 2012 Industrial fabrication hit another all-time high, driven by solar panels, 5G technology, and automotive electronics Global mine production rose modestly by...

Starting July 1, 2025, minimum wage workers in 15 states and cities will see pay increases, with Alaska, Oregon, and Washington D.C. leading the way. Over 880,000 workers will collectively earn $397 million more annually. Alaska’s minimum wage jumps from $11.91 to $13, Oregon’s rises from $14.70 to $15.05, and D.C.’s increases from $17.50 to $17.95. Major cities like Chicago, Los Angeles, and San Francisco will also see increases. While 30 states now exceed the federal minimum of $7.25, some lawmakers are attempting to limit voter-approved wage hikes, as seen in Missouri and Nebraska.

Oil prices are heading for their biggest weekly drop in over two years, falling about 12% this week. Despite rising slightly on Friday, Brent crude sits around $68 per barrel and WTI at $66. The sharp decline came after the Iran-Israel ceasefire announcement removed fears of supply disruptions, eliminating the risk premium that had briefly pushed prices above $80. With geopolitical tensions easing, the market has refocused on supply-demand fundamentals, including upcoming OPEC+ production decisions and strong inventory drawdowns in key regions.

Copper prices are surging as traders rush to ship metal to the US before potential import tariffs take effect. The scramble has drained global inventories by nearly 80% this year, creating severe shortages that are driving up costs for buyers. Goldman Sachs warns the situation will worsen before September, when tariff decisions are expected. The shortage is causing major price spikes, with some copper contracts trading at their highest premiums in four years.

Gold mining stocks pulled back Friday after a strong 2024 rally. Newmont fell 2.2% in premarket trading—the S&P 500’s worst performer—as gold prices dropped 1.5% to $3,296.40 per ounce. Gold hit a record high on June 13 during global trade tensions but has since fallen 4.5% as investors shifted back to riskier assets. Despite Friday’s decline, Newmont remains up 59% year-to-date, highlighting how mining stocks closely follow gold’s volatile price swings.

U.S. Treasury yields edged higher following stronger-than-expected inflation data. The 10-year yield held steady at 4.253%, while the 2-year yield rose 2 basis points to 3.732%. Core inflation, which excludes food and energy, climbed to 2.7% in May—higher than the 2.6% economists predicted and up from April’s 2.5%. The inflation surprise comes as President Trump escalates tensions with Fed Chairman Jerome Powell, criticizing the Fed’s cautious stance on interest rates amid tariff uncertainty. Trump claims to have a shortlist of replacements and may announce Powell’s successor as early as September, well before Powell’s term expires in 2026.

Gold prices dropped over 1% on Friday to their lowest level in nearly a month, falling to $3,282.68 per ounce. The decline was driven by easing global tensions, including the Iran-Israel ceasefire and progress on U.S.-China trade discussions. Gold has lost more than 2% this week and fallen over $200 from its April record high. Investors are now watching for U.S. inflation data that could influence future interest rate decisions. Other precious metals also declined, with platinum falling nearly 6% after recently hitting its highest level since 2014.

President Trump announced he has narrowed down his list to “three or four” candidates to replace Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell when his term expires in May 2026. Speaking at a NATO summit press conference, Trump called Powell “terrible” and expressed eagerness for his departure. Despite previous speculation about firing Powell early, Trump has stated he has “no intention” of doing so, though he continues to hint at the possibility. The two remain at odds over interest rate policy, with Powell recently suggesting rates will stay steady to combat potential inflation from Trump’s tariffs.