President Trump has threatened to impose 200% tariffs on European alcohol, a move that has intensified global trade tensions. After posting on Truth Social that “The Entire World is RIPPING US OFF!!!”, markets responded sharply: equities fell and volatility rose, introducing fresh economic uncertainty. The market sell-off, combined with tighter credit conditions, presents a delicate … Read more

Research by Duke University’s Campbell Harvey and former TCW manager Claude Erb warns that the recent surge in gold prices may leave investors exposed to disappointment. Their study measures gold relative to consumer prices and finds the gold price-to-CPI ratio currently sits at 9-to-1, surpassing the roughly 7-to-1 level that preceded a 50% decline in … Read more

GOLD Gold has surged to record levels, climbing above $3,000 per ounce as central bank purchases and strong demand from Asian buyers push prices higher. Additional gains remain possible as more North American investors, who have largely stayed on the sidelines, begin to enter the market. Gold’s appeal as a store of value, a hedge … Read more

Gold and silver are tangible, finite assets investors use to protect purchasing power, reduce portfolio volatility, and preserve wealth during inflationary periods or economic crises. Unlike stocks or bonds, their value does not depend on a company’s earnings, a government’s credit rating, or central bank policy. That structural independence makes them effective diversifiers within a … Read more

The U.S. dollar held close to multi-week lows as market participants increasingly priced in a Federal Reserve interest-rate cut in September, with many investors treating such a move as highly likely. At the same time, the Japanese yen strengthened versus the dollar after comments from Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who said the Bank of Japan … Read more

Global currency markets saw pronounced volatility on Tuesday as traders weighed several developments, including President Trump’s widening tariff proposals and the market reaction to DeepSeek’s disruptive AI announcement. Reports that the administration is considering tariffs on computer chips, pharmaceuticals and steel — along with discussion of a potential universal tariff starting at 2.5% — pushed … Read more

Stock markets ended last week on a strong note: the S&P 500 climbed 1.6%, the Nasdaq rose 2.3%, and the Dow gained just over 1%, bringing the S&P 500 to within roughly 2% of its record high. The advance followed May’s jobs report, which showed payrolls increased by 139,000 and the unemployment rate remained at … Read more

A UBS survey of nearly 40 central banks highlights notable concerns about U.S. financial stability. Close to half of respondents say a U.S. debt restructuring is a real possibility, and roughly two-thirds express worry about the Federal Reserve’s independence in light of public criticism from President Trump and other White House officials. Despite those worries, … Read more

The recent, unusual rise in Treasury yields has sparked a lively debate among economists. Nobel laureate Paul Krugman has even suggested an “insanity premium” tied to outspoken policy proposals from the incoming administration. With plans that include large tariffs, significant tax cuts, and stricter immigration enforcement, many economists now see greater risks of higher inflation. … Read more

The debate between digital gold and physical gold is more relevant than ever. Investors today can choose to hold a tangible gold coin or to own exposure to gold through a smartphone app. Each approach ties to the same underlying metal, but ownership, rights, risks, and costs differ substantially. Below is a clear guide to … Read more