Precious metals news

The Conference Board's Leading Economic Indicators (LEI) declined for the 14th consecutive month in May, dropping 0.7% MoM. Building permits contributed positively to the index, while average consumer expectations had a negative impact. This continuous decline in the LEI, the longest since the 'Lehman' era, suggests weaker economic activity ahead. Rising interest rates and persistent inflation are expected to further dampen the economy, potentially leading to a recession. The LEI's year-over-year decline of 7.9% signals a concerning trend for real GDP. This highlights the impact of the Fed's tightening measures on the US economy.

Existing home sales unexpectedly rose in May (+0.2% MoM), but the supply remains critically low. Total sales remain flat, reflecting a dire housing market. Median selling prices declined by 3.1% from last year, yet they remain historically high due to limited inventory. The number of homes for sale hit a record low for May, down 6.1% from the previous year.

BRICS+ countries announce new currency linked to gold, aiming to challenge the dollar. Gold manipulation is a concern, but the new currency will have a fixed value in gold. China and Russia may influence the dollar price of gold to increase their wealth and undermine the dollar. The collapse of the dollar is expected, leading to inflation and a higher price for gold. Buying gold is a recommended strategy to protect against the currency crisis.

In a future world, a cashless society prevails, where Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) have replaced physical money. All transactions are tracked, and small businesses are suppressed while major corporations controlled by the government dominate. AI-based monitoring systems scrutinize transactions, searching for any attempts at anonymity. The internet is heavily restricted, with only government-approved websites and AI chatbots controlling information flow. This dystopian vision is being tested by globalist institutions, aiming to implement a global digital currency system as part of their agenda, known as the Great Reset. The timeline for their plans is set for completion by 2030

Georgieva, Managing Director of the IMF, emphasized the importance of interoperability for Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs), stating that they should not be limited to national boundaries. She highlighted the need for systems that connect countries to ensure efficient and fair transactions. Georgieva further argued that global digital currencies would increase financial inclusion, reduce costs, and enhance payment systems' resilience and efficiency. CBDCs could offer cheaper and faster cross-border payments, facilitate remittances, and simplify other transfers.

China's central bank has cut interest rates again as the country grapples with the challenges of a potential liquidity trap caused by the aftermath of COVID. The government plans to boost economic activity through a debt-financed infrastructure-building program and a weakened currency to stimulate exports. However, these measures may be less effective after recent shocks, including trade tensions with the US, restrictions on the tech sector, pandemic-related lockdowns, and a housing market crisis.

Bank of Japan (BOJ) board member Asahi Noguchi emphasized the importance of maintaining ultra-loose monetary policy to support wage growth and achieve the 2% inflation target. Noguchi expects core consumer inflation to dip below 2% in September or October due to the fading impact of past increases in raw material costs. Meanwhile, US Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell's recent congressional testimony signaled the likelihood of additional interest rate hikes, highlighting the Fed's commitment to combating inflation.

Turkey's lira plunged to a historic low against the dollar as the central bank's long-awaited interest rate increase fell short of market projections. The lira reached a new record low of 24.2 against the dollar after the Turkish central bank raised its key interest rate by 650 basis points to 15%. This move marked a significant shift from President Tayyip Erdogan's previous policy of keeping rates low. Additionally, emerging market stocks remained subdued following the hawkish comments made by Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell.

The Bank of England's decision to raise borrowing costs by more than expected heightened fears of an impending recession in the British economy. With the main interest rate reaching a 15-year high of 5%, borrowers, especially homeowners looking to refinance, will face significant challenges. The surprise half-percentage-point increase, the 13th consecutive hike, reflects the central bank's concern over stubbornly high inflation.

Indonesia and the Philippines are expected to leave their interest rates unchanged amid easing inflation. Economists anticipate both central banks to maintain rates for the rest of the year, with potential rate cuts in 2024.

The Federal Reserve and the European Central Bank are expected to withdraw a significant portion of the liquidity they injected into banks over the past decade, according to a paper by a Fed economist. With high inflation and rising interest rates, the extra liquidity is deemed unnecessary. Both central banks have been actively increasing interest rates and reducing their bond purchases to combat inflation. The paper raises the issue of determining the appropriate level of cash reserves in the banking system as monetary stimulus becomes less required.

Stock futures declined as the tech rally faded, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq experiencing their worst performances in June. The market's three-day decline disrupted a five-week win streak, following the broader market index reaching a year-high level. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's comments on future rate hikes to combat inflation dampened investor hopes of an imminent end to the tightening cycle. The Fed kept rates steady but signaled the possibility of two more increases this year. Powell's upcoming report and jobless claims data are being closely watched by investors.

Bond investors grow more concerned about a potential US recession as Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell signals further interest rate increases. The yield curve between two-year and 10-year Treasuries has inverted, a pattern observed before past recessions. The impact of Powell's testimony is compounded by faster-than-expected UK inflation data, raising speculation of tighter policies by the Bank of England. Central banks globally are turning more hawkish due to prolonged high inflation. Powell reaffirms the Fed's likelihood of two more rate hikes this year, emphasizing the persistent inflationary pressure.

Fed Chair Jerome Powell clarified that the Federal Reserve plans to raise interest rates further. Despite concerns from lawmakers, Powell emphasized the focus on reducing inflation. Stock prices declined as investors reacted to the tighter credit conditions. Money market traders predict one more rate increase in July before the tightening cycle ends. The recent pause in rate hikes raised questions about the Fed's messaging and the balance between curbing inflation and avoiding a recession.

Investors remain skeptical despite Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's hawkish comments. Futures markets indicate only one more rate increase this year, followed by cuts. The inverted yield curve and concerns about a looming recession contribute to their skepticism. However, not all bond investors believe a downturn is imminent. The Fed's focus on tackling high inflation suggests rate cuts may not happen soon.

European benchmarks declined in early trading following the rate hikes by the central banks of Switzerland and Norway, aimed at tackling inflation. The Bank of England is also expected to raise its main interest rate, currently at a 15-year high of 4.5%. Analysts predict a quarter-percentage point increase to 4.75%, although concerns exist that a larger half-point increase could negatively impact borrowers, particularly the 1.4 million households in the UK set to refinance their mortgages later this year.

With the peak of conventional crude oil behind us, the days of Global Economic Growth are coming to an end.  However, Economists and the Financial Media continue to be clueless.  Thus, this also means most people are invested in the wrong assets, or liabilities masquerading as assets...

In a world of debt, the Federal Reserve is trapped. As the US balance sheet weakens, the demand for gold rises. China strategically positions itself for an economic war, while nations seek alternatives to the weakening USD. Gold becomes a trusted asset for trade settlement, driving its value higher and signaling the decline of the USD's purchasing power.

Gold investors in America typically focus on the "fear" trade, while in China, there's a "love" trade for gold during prosperous times. With falling rates in China, the yuan weakens, creating a positive environment for gold. As the US stock market faces uncertainty and potential inflation looms, investors may turn to gold as a safe haven. The weekly gold chart shows a potential double bottom, indicating a potential upward trend. This aligns with the electric car era, empire transition, and de-dollarization, making it an exciting time for gold enthusiasts.

Investing in intangible assets can help minimize inflation and protect wealth. As the value of tangible goods fluctuates, assets like patents and copyrights remain stable. This shift towards intangibles reduces the risk of inflation and provides economic benefits. While caution is necessary, diversifying investments with tangible assets, including gold, can safeguard wealth from market volatility and ensure its preservation. In an uncertain economic landscape, gold serves as a reliable store of value, offering protection against inflation and financial instability.