Charting the Global Economy: Gold Soars Amid US-China Tensions

Group 1: Precious Metals Market - Gold and silver prices have been rallying, with gold surging over 60% this year, driven by central bank purchases and inflows into bullion-backed ETFs [3] - Silver experienced a significant drop of more than 6% on Friday, marking its largest decline in six months after reaching an all-time high of approximately $54.50 per ounce earlier in the week [3] Group 2: Global Trade and Shipping - The global trade landscape is shifting as governments adjust trade alliances and companies seek alternative markets to mitigate the impact of high US tariffs, the highest since the 1930s [4] - Clarksons Plc forecasts a nearly 3% contraction in shipping volumes this year in the transpacific corridor, which is crucial for US-China trade, while other shipping lanes are experiencing moderate growth [4] Group 3: Pension Systems - Singapore has achieved a top-tier position in the annual global pension index for the first time, while the Netherlands maintains the number one ranking [5] - The Mercer CFA Institute Global Pension Index assesses 52 retirement systems based on adequacy, sustainability, and integrity [5]