Copper prices reached a nearly six-week high on Tuesday, driven by expectations of U.S. interest rate cuts, a weaker dollar, and signs of improving demand in China. The metal's rise was supported by macroeconomic factors, declining Shanghai copper stocks, and an increase in the Yangshan premium, indicating stronger Chinese import appetite. Other metals like zinc also saw gains, while aluminum faced tightening supplies.
Gold prices are consolidating near record highs as investors await clarity on potential U.S. interest rate cuts ahead of a key inflation report. Analysts expect gold to remain strong, with predictions of reaching $2,700 per ounce by year-end if the Federal Reserve implements significant rate cuts. The market is pricing in a high probability of a rate cut in September, with the size of the cut influencing gold's future performance. Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East continue to support gold prices, which have risen about 22% this year.
Gold and oil prices stabilized on Tuesday after recent surges, as investors balanced geopolitical risks with upcoming U.S. economic data and corporate earnings. Markets remained largely flat globally, with gold near record highs on expectations of U.S. rate cuts and Middle East tensions. Oil's rally paused after sharp gains driven by conflict concerns. Investors are now focused on upcoming inflation data and Nvidia's earnings for further direction on Fed policy and market sentiment.
The cost to produce silver by the leading primary mining companies hit a new record high in Q2 2024. Even the second largest silver producer in the world, Copper Miner, KGHM Polska Miedz, reported a dismal 6% profit margin.
Global macro funds have already embraced gold investments due to a unique economic environment characterized by high deficits, slowing growth, persistent inflation concerns, currency devaluation, and an anticipated cycle of interest rate cuts. This trend is occurring despite market expectations for a rapid return to economic normalization and unprecedented rate cuts outside of recessionary periods. The positioning of macro funds in gold is now at historically high levels, potentially signaling a turning point in market narratives. However, with Chinese ETFs and commodity indices beginning to show outflows, there's uncertainty about which market participants will be the first to change their stance.
Gold and silver prices are currently consolidating within a range, despite a recent rally. Both metals have the potential for further gains, but a significant decline in the US Dollar may be necessary to provide the momentum needed for a breakout. Gold is expected to continue its upward trend as long as it maintains support above $2,470.72, with the next target at $2,581.30. Silver, while lagging behind gold, shows potential for catching up if it can break above key resistance levels. However, both metals remain sensitive to dollar movements and could face pullbacks if support levels are breached.
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell has signaled that interest rate cuts are imminent, likely starting in September. While he didn't specify the size or path of these cuts, his remarks at the Jackson Hole symposium emphasized progress on inflation and a focus on labor market health. This announcement has led to lower Treasury yields and a weaker dollar, while boosting stocks. Traders are now debating the magnitude of the first cut and the subsequent easing path, with some betting on a half-point reduction in September. However, recent geopolitical tensions in the Middle East may complicate market reactions when trading resumes.
UBS analysts believe gold prices are poised for further gains despite already reaching record highs. Here's a summary of their key points:Gold's recent rally is driven by a favorable macroeconomic environment, including dovish Fed expectations, lower interest rates, and a weaker US dollar. Geopolitical risks and the upcoming US elections are also boosting investor interest. Despite the price surge, market positioning doesn't appear overstretched, leaving room for additional investments. UBS expects continued inflows into gold ETFs as the Fed begins cutting rates. Physical demand from China and India has softened due to high prices, but seasonal factors could support a rebound. Central banks, particularly from emerging markets, are likely to remain net buyers of gold, further supporting prices.
Gold is experiencing a remarkable rally, outperforming even tech stocks with a 20% year-to-date gain. Bank of America strategist Michael Hartnett advises investors to continue buying gold, despite its record-high prices. He believes potential Federal Reserve rate cuts could reignite inflation, historically benefiting real assets like gold. Interestingly, the rally is driven by unprecedented central bank buying, particularly from China, rather than investor inflows. Gold has become the second-largest reserve asset globally, offering low correlation to stocks and making it an attractive investment option in the current economic climate.
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell has signaled a likely interest rate cut in September, sparking optimism in the stock market. However, traders may be overly enthusiastic about the extent of future rate reductions. While the Fed is preparing to lower rates without facing a major economic crisis, the pace and magnitude of cuts are likely to be more modest than market expectations suggest. The economy and inflation are not weakening rapidly, and a soft landing scenario may not warrant aggressive rate reductions. Investors should temper their expectations, as the Fed remains cautious about balancing economic growth with inflation control.
Gold prices are nearing record highs as Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's recent comments signal an imminent interest rate cut, possibly as soon as September. The softening dollar and expectations of lower interest rates are driving investors towards gold as a safe-haven asset. Central bank purchases and strong demand in key markets like India and China are further supporting gold's rally. While silver prices are also rising, they have been somewhat constrained by sluggish global industrial production.
Gold's rally above $2,500 appears poised to continue as the Federal Reserve signals upcoming rate cuts. Lower yields, a weaker dollar, and renewed interest from Western investors through ETF inflows are expected to support higher gold prices. The metal has already seen impressive gains in 2024, with some analysts projecting it could reach $3,000 by mid-2025. However, high prices may dampen demand in key Asian markets.
If there is one chart you need to see, it is the Copper chart, especially when you compare it to the broader markets and silver. While the notion that the Green Energy transition would push the copper price to new highs, we are seeing the exact opposite... WHY...
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Federal Reserve officials are signaling a likely interest rate cut in September, with Philadelphia Fed President Patrick Harker suggesting a 25 basis point reduction as a sensible starting point. This comes after Fed Chair Jerome Powell's remarks at Jackson Hole, indicating that "the time has come for policy to adjust." While open to larger cuts if economic conditions warrant, Harker and other officials, including former Cleveland Fed President Loretta Mester, favor a measured approach. The market is increasingly pricing in the possibility of a more significant 50 basis point cut, though Fed officials seem inclined towards a more cautious initial move.
The recent surge in gold prices to record highs reflects deep-seated global concerns about economic stability, inflation, and geopolitical tensions. This trend highlights several key factors driving the gold market. Central banks, particularly those of China, Russia, and other countries seeking to reduce reliance on the US dollar, have significantly increased their gold purchases. This diversification strategy aims to hedge against economic uncertainties and potential sanctions.Investors anticipate potential Federal Reserve interest rate cuts later this year, making gold more attractive compared to income-generating assets like bonds. The expectation of rate cuts is a primary driver of bullish sentiment towards gold. Despite moderating inflation in some regions, persistent worries about future price increases continue to support gold prices. Gold is traditionally viewed as a hedge against inflation, maintaining its value during periods of rising prices.
Gold prices rose 1% on Friday as Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell signaled a likely interest rate cut in September. Powell's comments that "the time has come" to adjust monetary policy caused the dollar and Treasury yields to decline, making gold more attractive to investors. The precious metal's value increased to $2,508.25 per ounce, with analysts expecting further gains ahead of the September Fed meeting and the release of the updated dot plot indicating potential future rate cuts.
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Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's speech at the Jackson Hole Economic Policy Symposium has set the stage for potential interest rate cuts in the near future. Powell expressed growing confidence that inflation is approaching the Fed's 2% target and acknowledged that further cooling in the job market would be unwelcome. He emphasized that the Fed is prepared to adjust its policy stance, with the timing and pace of rate cuts dependent on incoming economic data.
The results are now in, and the Top Primary Silver Miners' cost of production hit a new record high in Q2 2024. Even the largest silver mining company in the world saw its costs increase significantly. This means we have a new higher floor in the silver price...