Investing

Gold recently surpassed $3,500/oz, attracting investors looking for protection from economic uncertainty and global instability. With rising sovereign debt and reduced confidence in fiat currencies, analysts see potential for gold to reach $10,000 to $25,000 per ounce. Central bank accumulation, underinvestment in mining, and geopolitical risks add to the bullish case. Investment strategies include physical gold, mining stocks, and ETFs such as GDX and GDXJ. Companies like Barrick Gold, New Gold, and Lake Victoria Gold are noted for their positioning. The article outlines why gold may become a key investment theme heading into 2025.

This Mother's Day (May 13), why not invest in companies that are helping both the mothers (and fathers) they employ, as well as the mothers who make up their customer base? Here are four stocks that anyone who loves moms should buy.

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 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 …

Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger resigned on December 1, following the company’s difficulties in adapting to the AI-driven tech landscape. Nvidia, a leader in AI chip technology, has surged ahead with its advanced GPUs, leaving Intel’s CPUs struggling to compete. Despite initiatives to revitalize the business, including $100 billion in factory investments and government support through the CHIPS Act, Intel has faced financial losses and internal inefficiencies. With interim leaders David Zinsner and Michelle Johnston Holthaus now at the helm, Intel must address structural challenges and regain competitiveness. The company’s future depends on resolving internal conflicts and innovating for the AI era.

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.

Eric Sprott, co-founder of Sprott Money, shared his insights into the gold and silver markets, predicting that gold could reach $3,000 per ounce and silver $50 by year-end. While gold has recently hit record highs, silver has lagged behind despite a 20% supply shortage. Sprott remains optimistic about undervalued gold and silver stocks like Discovery Silver and Free Gold Ventures. He also highlights silver's rising demand, driven by sectors like electric vehicles and new technologies. Sprott emphasizes the importance of staying informed, as global market shifts and government actions will significantly impact the precious metals landscape.

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.

“Every portfolio should have a 10% core holding of gold and silver as emergency money” was the simple and timeless message in Glen O. Kirsch conveyed 33 years ago in an article entitled: “What’s in Your Core Holdings?” and such a message is even more appropriate today given the unsettling fiscal, economic and investment environment. Words: 692