Precious metals news

Rolex's 2025 pricing strategy reflects the dramatic impact of surging gold prices, with their precious metal timepieces seeing increases up to 14% compared to just 3% for steel models. The iconic Daytona in white gold exemplifies this trend, jumping from $35,000 to $38,100, while the yellow gold GMT-Master now commands $43,300. These adjustments follow gold's 27% rally in 2024, sparked by global central bank rate cuts and investors seeking safe-haven assets. Market experts anticipate sustained gold prices throughout 2025, citing economic and political risks, while noting that Rolex's wealthy clientele typically remains unfazed by such increases. In fact, these price hikes have become a strategic element in maintaining the brand's luxury positioning and exclusivity.

Sterling showed signs of strain against a dominant dollar, sliding toward its poorest weekly showing since November. The currency's weakness stems from multiple pressures: disappointing mortgage approval numbers in November, surging European gas prices hitting year-long highs, and persistent dollar strength driven by expectations of higher U.S. rates under the incoming Trump administration. The UK's particular vulnerability to gas price shocks, combined with cooling economic indicators and the Bank of England's dovish stance, has undermined the pound's position despite its strong performance against the dollar in 2023. Markets anticipate fewer rate cuts from the BoE (60 basis points) compared to the ECB's expected 100+ basis points, creating notable policy divergence that's influencing currency movements.

Quantitative trend-following funds saw their strongest start since 2008 evaporate as market volatility intensified across multiple asset classes in 2024. Despite early gains exceeding 30% for some funds, most finished with single-digit returns or losses. The Societe Generale trend-following index ended up just 2% as choppy markets in bonds, currencies, and commodities challenged momentum-based strategies.

The ETF industry achieved unprecedented success in 2024, nearly doubling 2023's inflows to reach $1.1 trillion, driven by the U.S. bull market, crypto products, and investors' preference for liquid, low-cost options over mutual funds. However, 2025 presents new challenges as market saturation intensifies. Analysts expect record ETF closures, with the average fund lifespan dropping below 5 years. Despite these headwinds, innovation continues, particularly in options-based products, with the industry reaching $14 trillion in global assets by late 2024.

Gold's remarkable 27% surge in 2024 marked its best performance in 14 years, with prices now hovering above $2,670 per ounce. Wall Street's major players are projecting continued strength, with both JPMorgan and Goldman Sachs forecasting prices to reach $3,000 in 2025. This bullish outlook is supported by multiple factors: anticipated Federal Reserve rate cuts, increased bullion purchases by emerging market central banks seeking protection against financial and geopolitical risks, and potential inflationary pressures from proposed policy changes. Notably, analysts suggest that retail investor participation, which remained relatively subdued in 2024, could increase if interest rates decrease or inflation concerns mount, potentially providing additional support for gold prices.

Global food markets are facing a complex scenario as commodity prices recorded their first annual gain in three years, rising 7% in 2023. The increase was primarily driven by vegetable oil costs, especially palm oil, along with higher dairy and meat prices. While grain prices declined due to sufficient supply, the overall trend could impact consumer grocery bills. This price pressure coincides with potential trade disruptions under the incoming administration, which has proposed widespread import tariffs. Market analysts, including Rabobank, predict continued supply constraints in palm oil and wheat through 2025, while emphasizing that future US-China trade relations will significantly influence global food commodity flows and prices. Industry experts warn that farmers and food processors across different regions may face varying margin pressures depending on how trade policies unfold.

The Riksbank and Sweden's Food Federation are locked in a public dispute over food inflation. Deputy Governor Per Jansson warns of aggressive pricing practices, while the industry maintains they've absorbed cost increases, reporting losses in 2022-2023. This tension emerges as Sweden faces its highest food price increases since the 1950s, despite broader inflation showing signs of moderation. The conflict highlights the central bank's concerns about sustained pricing pressures even as they worry about potential too-low inflation in other sectors.

In a major win for precious metals investors, New Jersey's Senate Bill 721 will remove all sales tax on gold, silver, and precious metals starting January 1, 2025. The historic legislation, advocated by local business owner Matthew Eisenberg and backed by both Republican and Democratic senators, makes New Jersey one of the most attractive states for precious metals trading.

Gold and emerging market currencies have reached their most negative correlation in three years, driven by Trump's potential return to presidency. While traditionally moving together 86% of the time, these assets are now diverging significantly. The dollar's surge to a two-year high has weakened emerging market currencies, but gold has maintained its upward trajectory, surpassing $2,650 per ounce, with Goldman Sachs projecting $3,000 by 2025.

Discover why Bitcoin, gold, and silver could be the power trio of 2025 in this exclusive interview with Alan Hibbard of GoldSilver.com.

Wall Street's 2025 predictions are dominated by the anticipated return of Donald Trump to the White House. His expected pro-business policies are fueling optimism for Corporate America and US assets, while his tough stance on global trade creates some nervousness. Analysts foresee US economic exceptionalism, contained but persistent inflation, and slower interest rate cuts than currently expected.

The world is witnessing a modern gold rush, with central banks at the forefront. Amid rising geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainties, gold prices have soared to unprecedented levels, surpassing $2,800 an ounce in 2024. This surge is driven by central banks, especially from developing nations, seeking to diversify their reserves and hedge against potential global financial system instability. The trend underscores growing skepticism about the long-term sustainability of U.S. and European debt levels and reflects a broader shift in the global economic landscape.

Despite record gold prices and Federal Reserve easing, investors sold gold-backed ETFs for the fourth consecutive year in 2024. While rate cut optimism briefly boosted ETFs, the U.S. election results in November halted this momentum. A stronger dollar following Trump's win led to renewed selloffs, with investors redirecting funds to equities and Bitcoin. Meanwhile, geopolitical risks drove emerging market central banks and Asian investors towards physical bullion.

Gold prices skyrocketed in 2024, achieving a remarkable 27% gain and marking its best performance since 2010. This surge was primarily driven by increased investment from central banks worldwide, reflecting growing economic uncertainties and geopolitical tensions.

While the Silver Institute is reporting an increase in Mexico's silver production this year, the official data from the Mexican INEGI shows a significant decline.  So, who is Correct?  I provide my analysis of the situation.  However, I believe the data coming from the Mexican INEGI is likely more accurate...

Prepare to be startled by the dramatic extremes in today’s stock market. Mike Maloney and Alan Hibbard discuss the urgent red flags signaling a potential “blow-off top,” where market gains soar to dizzying heights before a sudden collapse.

Gold’s 2025 outlook remains strong, with prices projected to range between $2,600 and $3,100 per ounce. Central bank buying, robust consumer demand from Asia, and fiscal deficits driven by Trump-era policies are expected to bolster the precious metal’s appeal. With geopolitical tensions and monetary easing on the horizon, gold’s safe-haven status could shine even brighter as a core portfolio asset.

Gold is expected to remain a standout asset in 2025, according to Deutsche Bank, fueled by its role as a hedge against geopolitical risks, inflation, and economic uncertainty. With persistent high prices supported by strong central bank buying and investor demand, gold offers a safe haven amidst volatile markets. As other commodities face mixed prospects, gold's stability positions it as a crucial portfolio component for navigating turbulent times.

Gold’s stellar 2024 performance, driven by a 20% price surge, may repeat in 2025, according to Citi analysts. Historical trends show gold futures that gain over 15% often rise again the following year, bolstered by factors like lower interest rates, geopolitical uncertainty, and central bank buying.

UBS projects silver prices will climb to $36-$38 per ounce in 2025, driven by falling U.S. real yields and improving global industrial production. Despite headwinds like higher yields, a strong dollar, and speculative short positions, silver’s dual role as a precious and industrial metal remains a key strength. UBS also predicts a tighter gold-silver ratio, underscoring silver’s potential to outperform gold in a bullish commodities market.