Tariff Fears Trigger Massive Gold Flow from Switzerland to US
December saw a dramatic shift in global gold flows as Switzerland, Europe’s primary refining hub, exported 64.2 tons of gold to the United States – the highest volume since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and an eleven-fold increase from November levels. This surge, valued at nearly $6 billion, was primarily driven by traders’ concerns about potential […]
Trump Threatens 100% Tariffs if BRICS Challenges Dollar Dominance
President Trump has escalated his stance against BRICS nations’ currency ambitions, threatening to impose 100% tariffs on countries that attempt to challenge the US dollar’s global dominance. This warning, posted on Truth Social, mirrors his November statement and comes at a crucial time when BRICS membership has expanded to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the UAE, […]
Gold Passes $2,800 Mark as Trade Tensions Drive Safe-Haven Rush
Gold prices hit a historic high of over $2,800 as investors sought safe-haven assets amid escalating trade tensions. The precious metal gained over 6% this month, driven by President Trump’s renewed threats of 25% tariffs on Mexican and Canadian imports. Market experts, including WisdomTree’s Nitesh Shah, suggest this rally could maintain momentum as long as […]
Gold Breaks $2,800 Ceiling Amid Trade War Tensions
Gold prices surged to a historic peak above $2,800 per ounce, driven by a perfect storm of market uncertainties. President Trump’s announcement of impending 25% tariffs on Mexican and Canadian imports, coupled with additional threats toward China, has intensified fears of a broader trade conflict. This market anxiety, combined with concerns about US fiscal policy […]
Futures Rise After Apple Boosts Sentiment; Looming Trump Tariffs Send Gold To All Time High
Futures Rise After Apple Boosts Sentiment; Looming Trump Tariffs Send Gold To All Time High US equity futures are higher this morning on the last day of a volatile week, amid healthy earnings results post market close yesterday. As of 8:00am, S&P futures are up 0.5%, while Nasdaq futures gain 0.8% with AAPL up +3.5% […]
ECB Cuts Rates For The Fifth Time By 25bps As Expected, Signals More Rate Cuts
ECB Cuts Rates For The Fifth Time By 25bps As Expected, Signals More Rate Cuts As we noted in our preview, and as widely expected, the ECB cut rates by 25bps as expected, its 5th consecutive rate cut since the central bank launched its easing cycle in June 2024. Specifically, the interest rates on the […]
Fed Holds Rates Steady as Trump Fumes Over Powell's Patience
The Federal Reserve voted unanimously to maintain interest rates at 4.25-4.50%, signaling a pause in its recent rate-cutting cycle amid uncertainty over President Trump’s economic policies. Fed Chair Powell emphasized there’s “no hurry” to adjust rates unless labor markets weaken or inflation pressures ease, prompting an angry response from Trump on social media. The decision […]
Housing Market Cools as 7% Mortgage Rates Deter Buyers
Mortgage application volume declined 2% last week despite steady interest rates at 7.02%, reflecting continued weakness in housing market demand. Refinancing applications dropped 7% week-over-week, while purchase applications fell 0.4%. Despite ending 2024 on a positive note, current mortgage rates remain significantly higher than last year, limiting opportunities for both new buyers and refinancing homeowners.
Bank of England Gold Queue Grows as US Tariff Fears Drive Market Shift
London’s bullion market is experiencing significant strain as banks rush to borrow gold from central banks following a massive flow of metal to the United States. Over two months, COMEX warehouse stocks increased by 12.2 million ounces (70%), driven by fears of potential US import tariffs. This has led to unprecedented delays at the Bank […]
ECB Expected to Slash Rates to Two-Year Low Amid Economic Concerns
The European Central Bank is expected to reduce its deposit rate from 3% to 2.75%, marking the lowest level in nearly two years, as inflation continues to moderate and economic growth remains sluggish. While inflation stands at 2.4%, above the ECB’s target, it’s projected to decrease to 2.1% this year. The eurozone faces mixed economic […]