Recession Fears Fuel Gold’s Rise as Major Banks Raise Price Targets to $3,500+

Goldman Sachs and UBS have issued new bullish forecasts for gold prices, raising their targets significantly. Goldman Sachs analysts now predict gold will reach $3,700 per ounce by the end of 2024 and climb to $4,000 by mid-2026. UBS is similarly optimistic, forecasting $3,500 per ounce by December 2025. These upgraded forecasts follow gold’s impressive 6.6% surge last week, which pushed prices to a record high above $3,245 per ounce on Monday. Both banks had previously upgraded their outlooks in March, reflecting strong consensus on gold’s prospects amid global market uncertainty, particularly related to President Trump’s trade policies. Goldman has […]

How Gold Protects Your Portfolio During Recessions

When the economy starts to falter, smart investors often reach for gold. Acting as a proven gold recession hedge throughout market cycles, this precious metal offers a financial sanctuary during uncertain times. But why exactly do gold and silver become so valuable when times get tough?  Throughout history, gold has been the go-to safe haven when other investments start to crumble. While stocks dive and real estate cools during recessions, gold often follows its own path — one that can help keep your overall wealth intact.  What Makes Gold Special During Tough Economic Times?  When recession hits, traditional investments typically […]

Fed’s Waller: Economic Slowdown from Trump Tariffs May Prompt Rate Cuts

Fed Governor Chris Waller stated that if President Trump’s large tariffs remain in place, the Federal Reserve may need to cut interest rates sooner than planned. Despite potential inflation spikes up to 5%, Waller believes any tariff-induced inflation would be temporary, and the threat of economic slowdown would outweigh inflation concerns. He outlined two scenarios: a “large tariff” scenario (25% average rate) that might require immediate action, and a “smaller tariff” scenario (10% average rate) that would allow for more gradual policy adjustments.

America’s Trade Dilemma: Tough Talk, Selective Tariffs in China Showdown

The US has shown weakness in its trade war with China by creating carve-outs for consumer electronics from its recent 145% tariffs. While the White House defends these exceptions as strategic, critics see them as evidence of America’s vulnerable position against a well-prepared China. The US faces a difficult balance – imposing tariffs to bring manufacturing home while simultaneously hurting American manufacturers who depend on Chinese parts. China, having prepared for this confrontation, has responded with a mix of countermeasures including tariffs, export restrictions on critical minerals, and targeting American firms.

BofA Survey: Fund Managers’ Gloomiest Outlook in Three Decades

Bank of America’s recent poll shows investor sentiment has reached its most negative point in 30 years, with an overwhelming 82% of fund managers expecting weakening conditions. This pessimism has caused a dramatic shift in investment strategy. Fund managers have rapidly moved away from US stocks, swinging from a 17% overweight position in February to a 36% underweight position in April—the most significant two-month change ever recorded. Despite this gloomy outlook, BofA strategists note that “peak fear” isn’t yet reflected in portfolio allocations. Cash holdings stand at 4.8%, below the typical 6% seen during maximum bearish sentiment. The survey included […]

Gold Up 23% in 2025 Amid Trade War Fears

Gold prices continued their upward trend on Tuesday, rising 0.3% to $3,219.99 an ounce after hitting an all-time high of $3,245.42 on Monday. This surge comes as investors increasingly turn to gold as a safe-haven asset amid growing concerns about US President Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs, particularly on semiconductors and pharmaceuticals. The Federal Reserve is maintaining a cautious approach until there’s more clarity on tariffs, with traders expecting 83 basis points in rate cuts this year. Gold’s appeal as a hedge against global instability has driven its value up 23% in 2025, with Chinese gold ETF investments recently surpassing US-listed […]

Jefferies Cuts S&P 500 Target to 5,300 as Stagflation Concerns Mount

Jefferies, a major global investment bank and financial services company known for its market research and analysis, has reduced its year-end S&P 500 target from 6,000 to 5,300, citing concerns about stagflation risks from Trump administration tariffs. While they don’t predict a recession, they expect economic slowdown to impact earnings. The S&P 500 currently sits at 5,406, and Jefferies’ new target is among Wall Street’s most conservative forecasts. Their strategists recommend defensive sectors and identified potential “fallen angel” stocks with solid fundamentals despite recent downturns.

Record Q1 for China’s Gold Market

China’s gold market showed strong performance in March 2025, with benchmark prices surging over 8% and concluding an unprecedented first quarter. While wholesale demand fell 36% year-over-year due to weakness in January and February, March saw a rebound in Shanghai Gold Exchange withdrawals. Chinese gold ETFs attracted ¥5.6 billion in new investments, pushing total holdings to 138 tonnes. The People’s Bank of China continued its gold reserve additions for the fifth consecutive month, though gold imports remained tepid during the first two months of the year.

Silver’s Hidden Advantage: Why It May Outperform Gold in 2025

In times of global uncertainty, where should you put your money?  Alan Hibbard’s latest interview makes a compelling case for precious metals that you need to hear.  Alan reveals why gold remains essential in any portfolio and shares an insider’s perspective on silver’s untapped potential — and why it might eventually outpace gold’s performance (though with a bumpier ride).  “Historically, silver outperforms gold during these bull runs, so it does ultimately rise a lot more in price — however, you pay the price of volatility.” For investors willing to weather the volatility, silver could offer much higher upside in the coming […]

BofA Survey: Trade War Fears Drive Historic Exodus from US Stocks

According to Bank of America’s latest monthly survey of fund managers, global investors have drastically cut their exposure to US equities at a historic pace over the past two months. The survey revealed that investors are now a net 36% underweight US stocks – the most in nearly two years – representing a sharp 53 percentage point decline since February, the largest drop in BofA’s records. The poll of 164 investors managing $386 billion identified trade war leading to global recession as the primary market risk. This concern follows President Donald Trump’s aggressive tariff announcements, which have triggered a selloff […]