Gold and Silver Industry & Investing News

A key market sentiment indicator from Barclays is flashing warning signs of excessive speculation in US stocks. The bank’s “Equity Euphoria Indicator” has risen to 10.7%, well above its historical average of 7% and matching levels seen during previous market bubbles. This surge coincides with multiple signs of frothy market behavior: ARK Innovation ETF posting historic gains, SPAC listings exceeding the past two years combined, and volatile sectors like Bitcoin stocks (+78%), quantum computing (+69%), and meme stocks (+44%) recording massive second-quarter rallies. While optimism stems from potential trade deals and Fed rate cuts, market experts caution that fundamentals have...

The US is pushing global partners to reduce Chinese content in their supply chains through new trade deals. With a July 9 deadline approaching, countries face a stark choice: agree to US terms or face heavy tariffs. Key developments: India is negotiating how much local content qualifies products as “Made in India” (US wants 60%, India wants 35%) Vietnam faces tiered tariffs up to 20% based on Chinese component levels Taiwan and South Korea are already blocking Chinese goods from being rerouted through their countries The EU is under pressure to adopt strict supply chain rules similar to the UK’s...

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell confirmed that the U.S. central bank will maintain its dollar swap lines program, which provides emergency dollar loans to other central banks during financial crises. Powell emphasized these swap lines have significantly contributed to global financial stability since the 2008 financial crisis. While some worry the Trump administration might end this international cooperation tool, no action has been taken yet. The Bank of Korea’s governor noted that countries still need their own reserves since the Fed can’t address all local dollar shortages.

US private-sector employment unexpectedly declined by 33,000 jobs in June, marking the first decrease in over two years according to ADP data. The drop was driven by service sector losses of 66,000 jobs, particularly in professional services, healthcare, and education. While manufacturing and construction added jobs, small and medium businesses reduced their workforce. Companies are becoming more cautious about hiring due to trade policy concerns and are working to align staffing with slower economic activity.

The euro zone achieved its inflation target in June, with consumer prices rising 2% year-over-year according to Eurostat’s flash data. This marks a slight increase from May’s 1.9% reading and aligns perfectly with the European Central Bank’s goal. Core inflation remained steady at 2.3%, but services inflation edged up to 3.3%, signaling potential underlying price pressures. ECB Chief Economist Philip Lane indicated that the major inflation-fighting cycle is complete, though the bank will remain vigilant. Markets responded positively, with the euro gaining against the dollar. Despite external risks like oil price volatility and potential U.S. tariffs, economists expect the ECB...

The Senate just passed President Trump’s major tax and spending package, which extends the 2017 tax cuts and adds new tax breaks for workers earning tips and overtime pay. The bill raises the state and local tax deduction limit to $40,000 for five years and includes significant cuts to Medicaid that would affect nearly 12 million Americans. It also ends tax credits for electric vehicles and clean energy projects earlier than planned, while providing $50 billion for rural hospitals and major funding for defense and immigration enforcement.

Gold held steady near $3,330 an ounce following a 2% gain over the previous two sessions, as markets digested the Senate’s approval of President Trump’s tax legislation that could expand the deficit by $3.3 trillion over the next decade. This fiscal expansion may enhance gold’s appeal as a safe-haven asset. Investors are now focusing on Thursday’s June employment report, which is expected to show slower job growth and higher unemployment – data that could strengthen the case for Federal Reserve rate cuts. Lower interest rates typically benefit gold since it doesn’t yield income. Despite Tuesday’s stronger-than-expected job openings data reducing...

Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining (ASGM) produces 20% of global gold and employs 20 million people across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Yet 85% operates outside the law, leaving it open to criminal exploitation. The World Gold Council reports that criminal networks use informal gold mining to fund illegal activities, while communities suffer from mercury pollution and human rights abuses. Governments lose tax revenue and face security threats. The solution: mercury-free processing plants that boost miners’ incomes, increase transparency, and help formalize the sector. Case studies from Peru and Tanzania show these facilities work. For success, governments must create smart...

Investment bank Citi has revised its gold price outlook, expecting the precious metal to consolidate in the $3,100-$3,500 range during the third quarter of 2025. This represents a moderation from the April peak of $3,500 per ounce, with prices already dropping over $100 since Citi lowered its near-term target from $3,500 to $3,300 in mid-June. The bank cites easing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and an improving global economic outlook as key factors behind the price moderation. More significantly, Citi predicts a longer-term bearish trend, forecasting gold to retreat to $2,500-$2,700 by the second half of 2026 as the...