Tag Archives: China

This article examines the historical development of global climate policy and questions why certain countries have become central targets of emissions reduction efforts. It traces the evolution of climate change from early environmental conferences through the creation of the IPCC, the Paris Agreement, and recent COP summits. The analysis reviews differentiated national commitments, the selection of the 1990 emissions baseline, and Europe’s relative ease in meeting targets. It further explores the role of the United Nations, global governance frameworks, and international institutions in shaping climate policy outcomes that place greater economic pressure on North America.

Gold has surged to record levels, reinforcing its role as a monetary hedge, but the question for 2026 is whether upside is becoming more limited. Copper, by contrast, is increasingly tied to structural demand from electrification, artificial intelligence infrastructure, and global industrial expansion. While gold is largely held as a store of value, copper is consumed as a critical input across power generation, data centers, transportation, and manufacturing. With inventories tight, prices elevated, and strategic stockpiling accelerating, copper may be positioned for a stronger relative performance cycle as global capital spending shifts toward energy and technology infrastructure.

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.

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.

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 petroyuan has launched. Let's investigate its success or lack thereof, primarily the latter.

We believe emerging Asia is at a turning point. The region has faced strong headwinds in recent years, but we now see a number of tailwinds gathering momentum.

Here's everything you need to know what's happening in the single most underestimated, misunderstood, and perpetually disrespected country on earth - China.

When it comes to reckless money creation, China is the king. Over the past five years Chinese bank assets have been fueled by the greatest private debt binge that the world has ever seen. Unfortunately for China (and for the rest of us), there are lots of signs that the gigantic debt bubble in China is about to burst, and when that does happen the entire world is going to feel the pain. Let me explain.