Japan’s post-1989 experience provides a long-running case study on the limits of monetary and fiscal stimulus. After the collapse of a combined equity and property bubble, Japan relied on sustained deficits, near-zero interest rates, and repeated stimulus to stabilize growth. While markets eventually recovered in nominal terms, the process took decades and coincided with a sharp rise in government debt. In 2026, rising bond yields and higher debt servicing costs are testing the durability of this approach. The Japanese experience offers a relevant framework for assessing similar policy paths now being followed globally.

Gold’s rise to over $4,500/oz in 2025 reflects deep structural imbalances in global currency management. As inflation erodes purchasing power, gold’s share of global financial assets has begun to recover from historic lows. Central banks, particularly in emerging markets, are diversifying away from the U.S. dollar and increasing gold holdings. The U.S. government’s long-standing influence through major financial institutions is weakening as AI-driven trading and geopolitical shifts reshape the market. The reassertion of the physical gold market marks a turning point for investors evaluating the future of monetary stability.

The World Gold Council’s Q2 2025 Gold Demand Trends report shows global demand rose 3% year-over-year to 1,249 tonnes, driven by record investment flows. ETFs gained 170 tonnes and bar and coin demand reached 307 tonnes, led by China and India. Central banks added 166 tonnes, a slowdown but still above historical averages. Jewellery demand fell 14% to 341 tonnes, the lowest since 2020, while spending rose 21% to $36 billion. Technology demand slipped 2%, and supply hit a Q2 record with 909 tonnes of mine output. Recycling rose modestly, and de-hedging continued for a sixth quarter.

July 1, 2025 marks Canada’s 158th anniversary since the enactment of the Constitution Act, 1867. Originally called Dominion Day and renamed Canada Day in 1982, this milestone reflects the nation’s evolution. This article presents 158 factual insights spanning record-setting weather events, geographic extremes, wildlife diversity, historical landmarks, and modern developments. Highlights include Canada’s temperature extremes, significant natural disasters, unique geographic firsts, Indigenous heritage, and key national inventions. With attention to precision and context, the list profiles Canada's vast landscapes and cultural narratives, offering readers a well-rounded appreciation of the country’s identity across time and region.

The World Gold Council released its “Gold Demand Trends” report for Q1/2025. Gold demand reached 1,206 tonnes in Q1/2025, a modest 1% rise year-over-year, marking the strongest first quarter since 2016. Investment demand drove the increase, with ETF inflows totaling 226 tonnes and overall investment reaching 552 tonnes, up 170% y/y. Jewellery demand dropped 21% to 380 tonnes, hit by record gold prices. Central bank purchases slowed slightly but remained steady at 244 tonnes. Mine production hit a Q1 record, while recycling dipped. Regional dynamics were mixed, with China and India leading investment demand. The outlook remains uncertain, with economic and geopolitical risks continuing to shape demand patterns across segments.

Gold’s long-term trend has been shaped by inflation, monetary policy, and global economic shifts. Since 2016, the metal has been in a renewed uptrend, surpassing its previous highs. Historical cycles show that when gold moves, it moves fast. With gold now above its inflation-adjusted highs of $2,700, a sustained breakout above $3,000 could signal the next phase of its rally. Technical levels suggest that once gold clears key resistance zones, $4,000 may be the next significant target. This article examines gold’s historical patterns and key price levels, offering insights into what may be ahead for the precious metal.

The global trade landscape is shifting as countries prioritize domestic industries in response to U.S. policies under Donald Trump. Governments worldwide are implementing tariffs, trade restrictions, and incentives for local production. The United Kingdom is bolstering its tech sector, Europe is expanding semiconductor manufacturing, and Canada is investing in critical minerals. As automation reduces labor costs, businesses are reassessing global supply chains. While some firms benefit from protectionist policies, others, including Apple, face challenges adjusting to new trade realities. This evolving environment demands strategic adaptation from businesses as globalization transforms into a more fragmented, domestically driven economic order.

The Santa Claus Rally refers to a seasonal stock market trend where prices increase during the last five trading days of December and the first two of January. Since 1950, the S&P 500 has averaged a 1.3% gain during this period, often seen as an indicator of market optimism. The rally is attributed to factors like holiday spending, investor sentiment, and year-end tax considerations. However, its absence has sometimes preceded market downturns. Investors use the rally to adjust portfolios, favouring both small and large-cap stocks. While historically consistent, the rally is not guaranteed, requiring thoughtful strategies and broader market awareness.

The United States has been keeping a close eye on its trade relationships over the years. In 2023, trade deficits with many key partners were a major focus. These deficits are influenced by everything from policy changes to shifts in the global economy. While the numbers may change, the fundamental challenges frequently remain the same: striking a balance between free …

The Magnificent Seven tech stocks, Alphabet (NASDAQ:GOOGL), Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN), Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL), Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT), Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:FB), Nvidia (NASDAQ:NVDA), and Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA), continued to lead the tech industry in 2024, largely due to their investments in artificial intelligence. But the companies have had varying degrees of success with their AI efforts in 2024. Nvidia, Meta, Microsoft and Amazon have done particularly …