Gold and Silver Industry & Investing News

Gold prices declined 1.5% on Friday, retreating from record highs achieved earlier this week as signs emerged of easing trade tensions between the US and China. China has reportedly exempted some US goods from its 125% tariffs, causing gold to drop to $3,296.19 per ounce. Analysts suggest a US-China trade agreement could push gold prices even lower, potentially toward $3,000 per ounce. Despite the current decline, gold has still performed strongly in 2024, up more than 25% year-to-date. Meanwhile, the Fed is taking a cautious approach to monetary policy as it evaluates economic impacts of tariffs.

One of Wall Street’s most optimistic forecasters has dramatically cut their S&P 500 outlook as Trump’s trade policies threaten corporate profits. Deutsche Bank now expects the S&P 500 to reach only 6,150 by year-end (down from 7,000) and predicts corporate earnings will fall 5% this year instead of growing. The bank warns that the proposed tariffs would effectively raise import tax rates from 2.3% to 26.4%, creating an $800 billion burden on businesses that could only be relieved if the administration backs down on these policies.

During finance meetings in Washington, Japanese Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato urged G20 countries to cooperate in stabilizing financial markets that have been disrupted by multiple factors. Kato specifically pointed to geopolitical issues like Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, as well as US tariff policies and the countermeasures some nations have taken in response, as sources of market instability and economic harm. He emphasized that the G20 must carefully monitor developments, share information, and coordinate responses to maintain economic stability. Kato also mentioned he would be meeting with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Thursday, and that he had brought up concerns...

Oil prices made a modest recovery on Thursday, with Brent crude rising 1% to $66.78 and WTI gaining 1.2% to $63.02, following a 2% decline in the previous session. The drop came after reports that several OPEC+ members plan to propose accelerated production increases for June. Market sentiment is being shaped by multiple factors, including potential US-China trade negotiations and US-Iran nuclear talks. While the Wall Street Journal reported the White House might reduce tariffs on Chinese goods to around 50%, conflicting statements from US officials have created uncertainty. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent acknowledged current high tariffs are unsustainable, but...

Treasury yields fell on Thursday as traders responded to developments in U.S.-China trade relations and President Trump’s decision not to fire Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell. The 10-year yield dropped over 6 basis points to 4.323%, while the 2-year yield fell 5 basis points to 3.813%. Despite Trump and Treasury Secretary Bessent indicating potential for easing trade tensions with China, Chinese officials stated they would not discuss tariffs until the U.S. removes existing measures. Meanwhile, durable goods orders surged 9.2% in March, far exceeding expectations, though markets showed little reaction.

After a brief rally on Wednesday following President Trump’s more conciliatory tone on China and the Federal Reserve, the dollar resumed its decline on Thursday. China clarified there had been no trade negotiations and called for the U.S. to remove tariffs, dampening investor optimism. The dollar has dropped nearly 5% in April, with economists predicting further decline as non-U.S. investors reduce their American exposure. Meanwhile, other currencies strengthened against the dollar, and Trump’s meme coin surged 33% after promotion of a gala dinner with the president.

Gold prices have surged to record highs, briefly crossing $3,500 before settling around $3,400, representing a 30% increase this year. Despite a pullback to $3,300 on Wednesday, gold continues to outperform the S&P 500, which is down 8% year-to-date. Market experts attribute gold’s rally to monetary policy uncertainty, Trump’s threats of tariffs on China, and criticism of the Federal Reserve. While some analysts believe gold may be reaching “extremes” and could enter a consolidation phase, others suggest its value as a safe haven will remain strong amid ongoing geopolitical and economic uncertainties.

Gold prices rebounded 1.4% on Thursday, recovering some ground after Wednesday’s 3% decline. The precious metal reached $3,332.89 per ounce as investors took advantage of lower prices and responded to a weakening dollar. Market attention remains focused on U.S.-China trade developments, with China demanding the cancellation of all “unilateral” U.S. tariffs before engaging in trade talks. Gold had reached an all-time high of $3,500.05 on Tuesday due to U.S. economic concerns but retreated when President Trump backed away from threats against the Federal Reserve chair and appeared to ease his position on China. Analysts describe the current market as a...

IMF projections show global public debt will exceed pandemic-era peaks, approaching 100% of global GDP by 2030. After reaching 98.9% during COVID in 2020 and dropping 10 percentage points over two years, debt is now climbing rapidly again. The IMF cites U.S. tariff announcements and potential international countermeasures as key factors driving economic uncertainty. Global fiscal deficits are expected to reach 5.1% of GDP in 2025, up slightly from 5.0% in 2024. If President Trump implements steeper tariffs triggering retaliatory measures, debt could surge past 117% of GDP by 2027—the highest since World War II. Though only one-third of IMF...