Reid Ashcroft | Aug 21, 2025
Gold prices remained remarkably steady over the week, reflecting global economic uncertainties and portfolio diversification strategies. In China, the LBMA Gold Price PM in USD rose modestly by 0.3%, while the Shanghai Benchmark Gold Price PM (SHAUPM) in RMB climbed 0.5% buoyed by a weaker local currency and persistent concerns about inflation.
Reid Ashcroft | Aug 13, 2025
The spotlight fell on an abrupt U.S. tariff announcement targeting one-kilo and 100-ounce Swiss gold bars a policy inclusion previously thought exempt. This triggered a shock across the bullion market, sending U.S. gold futures to a record high of $3,534/oz, fueled by a sharp premium between futures and spot pricing as markets scrambled to recalibrate.
Reid Ashcroft | Aug 6, 2025
Gold demand rose modestly in Q2 2025, increasing 3% year-over-year to 1,249 Tonnes, with the total market value soaring 45% to $132 billion. The gains were driven overwhelmingly by investor appetite, as safe-haven demand surged in response to geopolitical instability and record gold prices.
Reid Ashcroft | Jul 29, 2025
Gold markets saw heightened volatility this past week as trade headlines shifted sentiment rapidly. The US and EU agreed to a landmark deal reducing proposed reciprocal tariffs from 30% to 15%, covering most exports except for critical sectors like steel, aluminum, and chips.
Jeff Thomas | Jul 29, 2025
In 1929, Ford sold 1,507,132 cars. Chevrolet sold 1,328,605. Then came the stock market crash. Sales dropped dramatically each year until 1932, when sales bottomed at 210,824 for Ford and 313,404 for Chevrolet. But, during that time, a small new market came on stream for the two foremost budget brands—the rich. Although literally millions of people were hit very hard by the crash, those who had invested wisely retained their wealth. Those who steered clear of the stock market bubble and/or invested in assets that would survive the crash, such as precious metals, were able to continue to live well. However, they did find that when they drove down the street in their luxury cars, they stood out and became the objects of anger and scorn.
Jeff Thomas | Jul 22, 2025
Fast-forward to the 21st century and we see the fractional reserve concept as the norm, with banks having a host of means by which to lend out multiples of the money they actually have on deposit.
Reid Ashcroft | Jul 22, 2025
Gold surged 26% in USD terms in H1 2025, recording its strongest first-half performance in nine years amid persistent geopolitical tensions, a weaker dollar, and steady investor demand. While June’s price action was subdued with the LBMA Gold Price up just 0.3% the overall trajectory remains bullish.
Jeff Thomas | Jul 17, 2025
Generally speaking, the citizens of most countries would prefer to avoid war. After all, they rarely benefit from it. But then, the impetus for war is almost never generated by the people of a country. Unless a nation is actually attacked, in nearly every case, the people need to be talked into going to war.
Reid Ashcroft | Jul 15, 2025
Gold extended its impressive run-in early July, buoyed by escalating global trade tensions, persistent fiscal uncertainty, and resilient investment demand. After rising 26% in USD terms in H1, gold continues to trade near record highs (~$3,400/oz), supported by renewed tariff threats from the Trump administration
Reid Ashcroft | Jul 8, 2025
Gold prices remained resilient this past week, consolidating near $3,400/oz amid persistent fiscal concerns, renewed central bank interest, and strong ETF inflows. While slightly below April’s record high of $3,500, bullion continues to find support from macroeconomic and geopolitical factors.