The UK’s inflation rate jumped to 3.0% in January 2024, higher than many analysts had expected and the strongest reading since March 2023. Three main factors drove the rise. First, the introduction of a 20% VAT on some private school fees pushed tuition-related costs up by about 13%, directly lifting overall inflation. Second, food and … Read more

Over the first half of the year, the U.S. dollar has fallen by nearly 10%, a decline that surprised many observers who had expected tariffs and protectionist measures to support the currency. A weaker dollar can help U.S. exporters by making American goods cheaper abroad, partially offsetting some tariff effects. At the same time, a … Read more

December’s retail sales report showed continued strength in U.S. consumer spending, with total sales rising 0.4% and core retail sales—excluding autos, gas and building materials—increasing 0.7%. The gains were widespread across categories. Auto dealerships recorded a 0.7% rise, furniture stores saw sales climb 2.3%, and sporting goods retailers posted a 2.6% increase. These sector-specific improvements … Read more

Silver spent most of 2025 trailing gold, then in a single month more than doubled. If you’ve ever wondered when silver outperforms gold, the answer is usually the same: after gold has already done the heavy lifting. That pattern is not a fluke — it has repeated in every major precious metals bull market of … Read more

Gold prices fell as much as 2.1% after the United States and China announced plans for trade talks in Switzerland, which reduced demand for traditional safe-haven assets. The drop came after a sharp rally of nearly 6% over the prior two days, a rebound that had driven prices higher amid earlier market uncertainty. Even though … Read more

The U.S. dollar moved slightly higher on Monday as investors and markets awaited clearer guidance on President Trump’s planned tariff measures. Market attention is focused on the imminent end of a 90-day moratorium on what has been called “Liberation Day” tariffs, which expires this Wednesday. Higher tariff rates are scheduled to take effect on August … Read more

At its July meeting, the Federal Reserve decided to keep interest rates unchanged, turning aside calls from President Trump and others for an immediate rate cut. The decision was announced after careful review of recent economic indicators and global developments, and it reflects the Fed’s stated aim of balancing growth with price stability. The vote … Read more

Barrick Gold Corp., the world’s second-largest gold producer, has suspended operations at its Loulo-Gounkoto mining complex in Mali after a prolonged dispute with the country’s military government. The shutdown follows a series of actions by Malian authorities that began in November, including the seizure of stored gold, restrictions on exports and an arrest warrant issued … Read more

Gold prices steadied at $3,044.44 an ounce on Thursday after briefly climbing to a new record high of $3,057.21 earlier in the session. This marks the 16th record peak for gold so far this year, and the fourth occasion that prices have risen above the $3,000 level. The recent advance is largely driven by expectations … Read more

Newmont Mining, the world’s largest gold producer, reported adjusted second-quarter earnings of $1.43 per share, outperforming the consensus estimate of $1.18. Strong gold prices helped offset an 8% decline in production, which fell to 1.48 million ounces for the quarter. Gold averaged $3,220 per ounce during the period, up about 12% quarter-over-quarter and roughly 40% … Read more