Gold Surges Amid Geopolitical Tensions; Novartis Eyes China, US Tariff Shield

Key TakeawaysGold prices have surged significantly, climbing 9% in the first three weeks of 2026 and a remarkable 75% over the past 12 months, signaling fiscal stress, currency debasement, and heightened geopolitical risk.Novartis (NVS) CEO Narasimhan revealed the pharmaceutical giant is pursuing more biotech deals with China than with Europe and has secured an agreement with the U.S. government that shields it from tariffs.The International Energy Agency (IEA) forecasts years of downward pressure on oil an ...