Costco Wholesale Corporation (NASDAQ: COST) has reported strong financial results for Q4 2024, driven by double-digit growth in gold bullion and jewelry sales. Gold bullion has become a key contributor to Costco's e-commerce growth, with sales helping to boost comparable e-commerce sales by 18.9%. The company also reported a 9% year-over-year increase in net income, alongside a 40-basis-point improvement in gross margins. Additionally, Costco raised its membership fees in September 2024 and continued its global expansion with 14 new store openings, further strengthening its market position.

Microsoft's (NASDAQ: MSFT) recent $60 billion stock buyback and dividend increase come as part of a broader trend among tech giants like Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), Alphabet (NASDAQ: GOOGL), and Meta (NASDAQ: META), all using repurchases to enhance shareholder value. Buybacks can increase earnings per share and provide tax-efficient returns, but only if executed well. However, if poorly timed or mismanaged, they can hurt long-term growth. With the recent 1% excise tax on buybacks under the Inflation Reduction Act, companies face new costs, prompting investors to evaluate these programs carefully.

The Federal Reserve's recent 50-basis point rate cut has bolstered optimism for a "soft landing," pushing the Dow, S&P 500, and NASDAQ to new highs. While the move has alleviated uncertainty, investors remain wary of potential economic risks, including a slowing labor market and lingering inflation concerns. Despite the positive market reaction, some experts warn that market volatility could resurface if inflation picks up or the labor market weakens further. With the Fed expected to announce more rate cuts later this year, all eyes are on the November meeting for clues on future economic policy.

U.S. banking stocks are underperforming, with a 6% drop in September 2024, compared to the S&P 500 remaining flat. Bank executives have issued warnings about lower-than-expected recoveries from investment banking and the effects of looming interest rate cuts. With U.S. banks trading at lower P/E ratios (11.7x for 2024 and 10.4x for 2025), analysts view the sector as potentially undervalued. Meanwhile, capital requirements have been scaled back, but pessimism has intensified after Berkshire Hathaway reduced its investment in Bank of America. This may offer an entry point into the sector for value investors.

E*TRADE's Monthly Sector Rotation report highlights investor movement across S&P 500 sectors. In August, Consumer Discretionary, Information Technology, and Consumer Staples saw positive inflows, while Communication Services, Health Care, and Financials faced outflows. Despite concerns about a tech sector rotation, IT continued its strength, driven by stocks like Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) and Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT). Meanwhile, Real Estate declined sharply amid rising interest rates and economic uncertainty. Historical trends suggest that top-performing sectors, like tech in 2023, often lose momentum the following year. This dynamic could impact sector performance in 2024.

The World Gold Council published its monthly Gold Market Commentary for August this week. Gold surged by 3.6% in August, reaching $2,513 per ounce, driven by a weaker U.S. dollar and lower Treasury yields. Investors are positioning for potential rate cuts by the U.S. Federal Reserve and the uncertainties surrounding the U.S. election. Demand also saw a boost from a reduction in gold import duties in India, contributing to strong buying interest. Meanwhile, gold-backed ETFs extended their four-month inflow streak. As traders brace for a volatile second half of 2024, gold remains a key hedge against risk, with global economic uncertainties and U.S. political developments fueling the demand.

August's drilling results from various mining companies indicate promising gold discoveries worldwide. Snowline Gold (TSXV: SGD) reported high Grade x Width values from its Rogue project in Yukon, while Spartan Resources (ASX: SPR) and Navarre Minerals (ASX: NML) revealed bonanza-grade intervals in Australia. Other notable results include i-80 Gold (TSX: IAU) in Nevada, Santana Minerals (ASX: SMI) in New Zealand, West African Resources (ASX: WAF) in Burkina Faso, and Sitka Gold (TSXV: SIG) in Yukon.

The traditional aspirations of leisurely vacations, quality education, and a secure retirement are becoming increasingly unattainable for many middle-class families. Rising costs and financial pressures have made it more difficult to save for these goals, with inflation, student debt, and inadequate retirement savings posing significant challenges. The interconnectedness of these financial struggles, compounded by political gridlock and societal behaviors, underscores the complexity of the problem. Achieving these dreams now requires both individual planning and systemic reforms to create a more sustainable economic environment for future generations.

Since the start of the year, gold prices have surged over 21%, reaching US$2,508 per ounce. Key drivers include increased central bank purchases, geopolitical tensions, expectations of U.S. interest rate cuts, and persistent inflation. These factors have created a favourable environment for gold, benefiting mining companies with substantial gold resources. This article examines the leading gold producers—Newmont, Barrick, AngloGold Ashanti, Agnico Eagle, Gold Fields, and Kinross Gold—highlighting their key assets and strategic positioning in this bullish market.

Big Tech companies are increasingly investing in artificial intelligence (AI) through strategic acquisitions and collaborations. Major firms like Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, and Google are focusing on their AI-related investments. These moves aim to enhance technological capabilities, integrate AI into core business strategies, and maintain a competitive edge. The article also addresses the challenges posed by regulatory scrutiny and the implications for the broader industry. As AI continues to evolve, these strategic decisions will likely influence the future of technology and global economic trends.