Tue. Dec 3rd, 2024
  • China Retaliates Against US Chip Sanctions with Ban on Key Minerals
    China has banned exports of gallium, germanium, antimony, and other high-tech materials to the United States in response to recent US semiconductor export restrictions. This move escalates the ongoing trade tensions between the two nations, as these materials are crucial for various technological and military applications. The ban, effective immediately, also includes stricter controls on […]
  • Fed Officials Signal Potential December Rate Cut
    Top Fed policymakers have hinted at the possibility of a December interest rate cut while maintaining flexibility in their approach. Christopher Waller, John Williams, and Raphael Bostic all indicated that rate reductions are likely in the coming year, but they stopped short of guaranteeing a cut at the December meeting. The officials emphasized the importance […]
  • Gold Retreats as Dollar Climbs; US Jobs Report Looms
    Gold prices retreated as the dollar strengthened, with investors eagerly anticipating Friday's US jobs data for insights into the Federal Reserve's next move. Trading around $2,640 an ounce after a 2.7% drop last week, gold faced pressure from a stronger dollar and reduced safe-haven demand following a Middle East ceasefire. However, ongoing geopolitical tensions and […]
  • Gold Set for Biggest Monthly Fall in 14 Months
    Gold prices rose on Friday due to a weaker dollar and geopolitical tensions, but are still set for their largest monthly decline since September 2023. The 3% drop in November is attributed to Donald Trump's election victory, which sparked a dollar rally and expectations of higher interest rates. Despite Friday's gains, gold remains on track […]
  • Barnier's Budget Gamble: French Government on the Brink
    French Prime Minister Michel Barnier invoked Article 49.3 to push through a controversial budget bill without parliamentary approval. This move allows the social security bill to pass but exposes Barnier's government to potential no-confidence votes, which could lead to its dissolution within days.
  • The End of Fed's Expansive Era? Powell's Back-to-Basics Approach
    The Federal Reserve, under Jerome Powell's leadership, is shifting from its expansive role during recent crises to a more traditional focus on interest rates and inflation control. This transition marks a return to "plain vanilla" central banking, potentially making monetary policy less dramatic but more stable. The change comes as the economy stabilizes and inflation […]
  • Precious Metals Face Headwinds as Dollar Gains Ground
    As December trading began, gold and silver prices experienced downward pressure due to a strengthening U.S. dollar and rising Treasury yields. Gold futures fell 0.6% to $2,663.30 an ounce, while silver futures declined by a similar percentage. The dollar's rise, influenced by potential trade tensions and robust U.S. economic performance, is making dollar-denominated commodities more […]
  • Why We're Thankful for Sound Money
    Consumer prices keep climbing, but gold tells a different story. See the 30-year trend that smart investors are watching.
  • Extreme Bargain Hunting: The New Normal for 2024 Holiday Season
    As inflation continues to impact household budgets, US consumers are adopting extreme measures to save money during the 2024 holiday season. Shoppers are drastically cutting gift budgets, seeking out secondhand items, and starting their holiday shopping months in advance to secure the best deals. With holiday sales growth expected to slow, retailers face increased pressure […]
  • Big Banks Face Steep Decline in Macro Trading Profits
    Wall Street macro traders are facing their worst year since the pandemic, with revenues from foreign exchange and rates trading expected to drop significantly. Over 250 major financial institutions are projected to see a 17% decline in rates trading revenue and a 9% decrease in currency trading revenue compared to last year. This downturn is […]