Gold and Silver Industry & Investing News

Gold prices slightly decreased as investor confidence improved following the recent U.S.-Japan trade deal, which lowered tariffs and reduced economic uncertainty. The deal, combined with a stronger dollar and rising Treasury yields, put pressure on gold, which is typically seen as a safe-haven asset. Meanwhile, silver prices rose to their highest level since 2011, boosted by strong supply-demand fundamentals, raising investor expectations that it may soon surpass the psychologically significant $40 per ounce mark.

Gold hit its highest level in five weeks, gaining around 1.3% as concerns grow over upcoming U.S. trade deadlines and potential tariff increases. The dollar’s decline and lower U.S. bond yields helped boost gold’s appeal as a safe haven. Traders are also anticipating a possible Federal Reserve rate cut in September, increasing market uncertainty. Despite this, China’s gold imports dipped to the lowest since January. Other precious metals like silver, platinum, and palladium also posted gains.

U.S. ground beef prices continue to soar due to a shrinking supply of cattle, reaching historic highs above $6 a pound in June. Factors like drought, high grain prices, inflation, and interest rates have pushed farmers to reduce herd sizes, causing long-term supply shortages. Experts say fixing the supply gap will take years because rebuilding cattle herds is a slow process. These rising costs are impacting consumers and businesses alike and are likely to keep beef prices elevated through the next few years.

As gold prices climb, wealthy investors are boosting their allocations to the metal, seeking protection against economic and geopolitical uncertainty. Investors can buy everything from fractions of a gold bar to large bullion stored in ultra-secure vaults—like Swiss military bunkers in the Alps. While some prefer the convenience and lower costs of unallocated gold held by private banks, others want physical possession of their gold, even considering unusual options like burying bars at home. Banks warn against such risks, emphasizing secure vault storage and strict privacy measures. The trend highlights gold’s enduring role as a trusted hedge in times of...

Top oil and gas companies Shell, Aker BP, and Enbridge have pulled out of the Science Based Targets initiative’s expert advisory group. The decision came after the initiative proposed that companies must halt new oil and gas field developments to meet net zero standards. Shell and Aker BP expressed concerns about the feasibility and industry input in the standards. This departure highlights challenges facing net zero climate initiatives, especially amid political opposition and funding changes. SBTi is also postponing its deadline for financial firms to end financing of new fossil fuel projects, pushing the cutoff to 2030.

Economic reports last week painted a varied picture: the U.S. posted solid retail sales and earnings despite higher inflation, Europe’s industrial output improved, and China’s growth picked up. Japan and India saw inflation cool down, but inflationary pressures rose in the UK. Global stocks mostly showed little change, with bond yields easing, the dollar strengthening, and oil prices declining. Gold continues to consolidate but appears near a technical breakout that could push prices higher. The impact of tariffs is emerging in inflation data, with investors adjusting their outlook accordingly.

Gold prices remain close to record highs, driven by the weakening U.S. dollar. Even with rising stock markets, gold continues to hold strong near $3,400, supported by persistent dollar softness. Analysts suggest this trend could continue, especially as the dollar faces potential pressures from upcoming economic and policy events.

Markets have become less sensitive to tariff announcements than they were earlier this year. Despite ongoing tariff threats from President Trump, stocks—including those most exposed to tariffs—are showing smaller reactions and continue to reach record highs. Goldman Sachs strategist David Kostin notes that investors expect tariffs to settle at lower levels than initially announced, and key economic data has shown less impact from tariffs than feared. Optimism remains strong for the S&P 500, with projections of further gains driven by expectations of solid earnings growth in 2026.

According to the Congressional Budget Office, President Trump’s new tax and spending law will increase federal deficits by $3.4 trillion over the next decade. The law, signed on July 4, extends tax breaks, adds deductions for tips and auto loans, and cuts funding for Medicaid and food assistance. While Republicans argue the law prevents a tax hike and fuels growth, the CBO says growth won’t be enough to offset the debt burden—leaving over 10 million more people uninsured by 2034.

Scott Bessent says the Federal Reserve should undergo a full review of its non-core functions to prevent “mission creep” from weakening its monetary policy independence. He also questioned the Fed’s choice to begin a large renovation project during a time of financial losses, adding to concerns about accountability and transparency.