Core Insights - Gold prices have surged 35% over the past year, recently exceeding $4,000 per ounce, indicating a significant increase in demand for the precious metal [1] - The U.S. national debt has reached $38.36 trillion as of November 2025, with interest costs surpassing spending on defense and Medicare, raising concerns about inflation and economic stability [2] - Central banks globally have been stockpiling gold, adding 1,045 tonnes to reserves in 2024, marking the third consecutive year of net purchases exceeding 1,000 tonnes [3] Industry Trends - The surge in gold prices is attributed to concerns over inflation and the increasing national debt, leading to a heightened demand for gold as a hedge against economic instability [2][4] - The difficulty in purchasing gold in some regions is contrasted by the ease of adding it to investment portfolios through various methods [3] - Physical bullion, such as bars or coins, remains a direct and popular method for investors to gain exposure to gold [4]

Core Insights - Gold prices have surged to $4,100 per ounce, reflecting a 21.8% increase over the last six months and a 55.4% rise over the past year, driven by inflation, geopolitical instability, and concerns over stock market valuations, with Goldman Sachs predicting a further increase to $4,900 by 2026 [1] Gold IRAs Overview - A gold IRA is a self-directed individual retirement account that allows investment in physical precious metals instead of traditional assets like stocks and bonds, providing an alternative investment route [3] - Gold IRAs offer the same tax advantages as traditional or Roth IRAs but come with different risks, costs, and compliance rules, appealing to some retirement savers [4] Investment Appeal - Gold is viewed as a hedge against inflation, maintaining purchasing power over time, with historical comparisons illustrating its stability during economic uncertainty [5] - The rise in interest for gold has led to increased popularity of gold IRAs as a new investment alternative for those looking to hedge against inflation [5] Pros and Cons of Gold IRAs - Proponents highlight the dual benefits of gold IRAs, combining asset performance with tax mitigation, making them a valuable addition to retirement portfolios [8] - Critics argue that gold IRAs may be excessive and overpriced for average investors, indicating a divide in perception regarding their value [6]

Core Insights - Companies are increasingly adopting bitcoin treasuries, presenting it as a forward-thinking financial strategy and a hedge against inflation, but this trend may be misleading and lacks genuine value [1][2] - Many firms are using bitcoin as a publicity stunt rather than a serious investment, indicating a lack of innovation and a potential for creating a speculative bubble similar to the ICO craze of 2017 [2][4] Group 1: Corporate Behavior - Corporate treasuries were not intended for speculative activities, and the current trend of adopting bitcoin reflects desperation rather than true innovation [2][3] - Companies with weak fundamentals are using bitcoin as a superficial fix, failing to create real value or sustainable products, resembling "zombie companies" [3][5] Group 2: Market Dynamics - The current environment, characterized by uncertainty and low interest rates, is driving corporate leaders to seek innovative appearances through bitcoin treasuries without addressing underlying business issues [6] - The stakes are higher now than during the ICO boom, as companies are risking shareholder capital by placing bitcoin on their balance sheets, which could lead to systemic risks for various stakeholders [7]

Core Insights - The article discusses the importance of long-term financial planning through retirement accounts and highlights three specific ETFs that the author intends to invest in for diversification and growth potential. Group 1: iShares Bitcoin Trust - The iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (IBIT) is a spot ETF that directly holds Bitcoin, with a low expense ratio of 0.25% [2][4] - Bitcoin's supply is limited by its protocol, making it a potential long-term store of value and a hedge against inflation and fiscal mismanagement [4] - The author also plans to continue purchasing Bitcoin directly alongside investing in IBIT [5] Group 2: SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust - The SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) tracks the S&P 500 index, covering approximately 80% of the U.S. equity market and charges a low annual fee of about 0.09% [6][8] - Historically, the S&P 500 has delivered average annual returns of around 10% when dividends are reinvested, making it a reliable investment for dollar-cost averaging [8][9] - The expectation is that this ETF will contribute to long-term wealth accumulation, even if it does not provide immediate wealth [9] Group 3: Canary XRP ETF - The Canary XRP ETF (XRPC) is a newly launched ETF that provides direct exposure to XRP, with an expense ratio of 0.5% [10][12] - XRP is designed for fast and low-cost transactions, with the potential for increased demand if financial institutions adopt the XRP Ledger for cross-border payments [12] - The author plans to invest in XRPC gradually, reflecting a cautious approach to this new and riskier investment opportunity [13]

Core Insights - The recent sell-off in the cryptocurrency market has raised questions about the future price trajectory of bitcoin, with speculation on whether the dip is temporary or indicative of a larger crash [1] - Despite price volatility, bitcoin continues to offer significant portfolio benefits, including diversification and potential inflation hedging [2][3] Portfolio Diversification - Exposure to bitcoin can enhance portfolio diversification due to its traditionally low correlation with equity and fixed income markets, allowing it to perform differently compared to other investment strategies [2] - The low correlation of bitcoin with traditional asset classes provides true diversification benefits, even when employing risk-managed strategies [8] Inflation Hedge - Bitcoin is viewed as a potential hedge against inflation, with its capped supply of 21 million coins contributing to its perceived scarcity and resistance to devaluation [3] Investment Strategies - The Calamos Laddered Bitcoin 90 Series Structured Alt Protection ETF (CBXL) combines bitcoin exposure with risk management, offering liquidity, tax efficiency, and lower expense ratios [5] - CBXL's strategy includes a laddered portfolio of four different Calamos Protected Bitcoin ETFs, providing 90% downside protection over a one-year period while still allowing for significant upside exposure [6][7] Risk Management - The underlying ETFs in CBXL are designed to maintain a low correlation with equities, fixed income, and gold, thus providing a managed downside risk while still offering diversification benefits [8]

Core Insights - Bitcoin has fallen nearly 30% from its 2025 peak, underperforming compared to tech stocks and T-bills, and is likely to end the year in the red [1][5] - Gold, long-term bonds, and the Nasdaq have outperformed Bitcoin, which was once considered a digital gold alternative [2] - Bitcoin's performance has lagged behind benchmarks like the MSCI Emerging Markets Index and the US Utilities Index, which have shown significant gains this year [3] Performance Analysis - Bitcoin briefly dipped below $90,000, the average entry price for ETF inflows, indicating that many ETF investors were temporarily underwater [4] - The year was expected to be a breakout for crypto due to a pro-crypto administration and new ETF regulations, but instead, it has mirrored past cycles of euphoria followed by crashes [5][6] - Bitcoin has not effectively offset losses in diversified portfolios or acted independently during market volatility, disappointing professional investors [7] Market Sentiment - The October crash, which wiped out approximately $19 billion in leveraged positions, has left lasting psychological impacts on the market, affecting liquidity and risk appetite [8]

Core Viewpoint - The discussion focuses on the investment potential of platinum and palladium, highlighting their roles as alternatives to traditional precious metals like gold, particularly in the context of inflation and economic uncertainty [4][6][12]. Industry Overview - Platinum and palladium have been less prominent compared to gold and silver, but they are gaining attention due to their unique demand dynamics and potential as hedges against monetary risks [4][6]. - The demand for platinum is driven by both industrial and investment needs, with a significant portion of its use in various technologies, including hydrogen fuel cells [7][12]. Supply Dynamics - Platinum is approximately 30 times less abundant than gold, with most production concentrated in South Africa, primarily by Sibanye-Stillwater, which accounts for about 25% of global production [8][9]. - Recent production cuts by Sibanye-Stillwater due to low prices are expected to create a supply shortage, which could drive prices higher in the long term [20][21]. Investment Outlook - The PPLT ETF is highlighted as a strong investment choice, with expectations of increased demand for inflation hedges over the next decade [10][12]. - The price of platinum is anticipated to rise as it becomes a more recognized store of value, similar to gold, especially in times of economic volatility [15][16]. Market Trends - The price of platinum has seen a significant increase, with a reported 71% rise year-to-date, attributed to market realization of supply shortages and rising investment demand [19][20]. - The long-term outlook suggests that while industrial demand may stabilize, the growth in investment demand will be the primary driver for price increases [14][21]. Portfolio Allocation - It is suggested that investors consider a portfolio allocation of 5% to 15% in platinum, with the potential for higher positions due to its undervaluation compared to other metals [22].

Core Insights - The critical minerals and materials sector is experiencing increased investor interest as a hedge against inflation, outperforming traditional stocks and bonds during inflationary periods [1] - Recent U.S. government policies, including a $1 billion stockpiling initiative by the Pentagon, are expected to benefit critical materials companies and reduce competition from low-cost imports [1] - The Sprott Critical Minerals ETF (SETM) offers investors global exposure to the critical minerals sector, which is timely given the current macroeconomic uncertainties in the U.S. [2] Government Policy Impact - The U.S. government is taking steps to bolster the critical materials sector, including plans to stockpile critical minerals to enhance national reserves and counter China's market dominance [1] - Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicated intentions to establish price floors for various critical materials, potentially supporting domestic companies [1] Investment Performance - The Sprott Critical Minerals ETF (SETM) has shown strong performance, with a year-to-date net asset value (NAV) increase of 78.54% as of October 31, 2025 [3]

Core Viewpoint - Inflation is eroding purchasing power, making dividend stocks that grow payouts faster than inflation essential for investors in Singapore to preserve and enhance their purchasing power [1][16]. Group 1: Dividend Stocks Overview - Four Singapore dividend stocks identified as capable of outpacing inflation include Singapore Exchange (SGX), Parkway Life REIT, CapitaLand Integrated Commercial Trust (CICT), and Haw Par Corporation [2][16]. Group 2: Singapore Exchange (SGX) - SGX operates as a multi-asset exchange providing listing, trading, and clearing services across various markets, benefiting from a monopoly position in Singapore [3]. - SGX has consistently increased its dividend payout, with a five-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4%, from S$0.32 in FY2021 to S$0.375 in FY2025 [4]. - The dividend payout ratio has remained sustainable, ranging from 60.8% to 76.9%, supported by an 8.4% year-on-year growth in net profit from S$598 million to S$648 million in FY2025 [4]. - At a share price of S$16.82, SGX offers a dividend yield of 2.2% [5]. Group 3: Parkway Life REIT - Parkway Life REIT focuses on a diversified portfolio of healthcare and nursing home properties across multiple countries, delivering uninterrupted distribution per unit (DPU) growth since its 2007 listing [6]. - DPU has increased from S$0.0632 at IPO to S$0.1492 in FY2024, representing a 136% increase [6]. - For YTD 3Q2025, PLife REIT reported a DPU of S$0.1156, up 2.3% year-on-year [7]. - The portfolio's weighted average lease expiry (WALE) is 14.68 years, with a healthy gearing ratio of 35.8% [8]. - At a price of S$4.05, PLife REIT has a dividend yield of 3.7% [9]. Group 4: CapitaLand Integrated Commercial Trust (CICT) - CICT is Singapore's largest retail and commercial REIT, with a portfolio that includes retail malls and office towers, allowing for upward rent repricing [10]. - The portfolio occupancy rate is 96.3%, with retail and commercial occupancy rates at 98.6% and 94.6%, respectively [11]. - CICT's DPU has shown stability and growth, increasing from S$0.1058 in FY2022 to S$0.1088 in FY2024 [11]. - At S$2.32, CICT offers a dividend yield of 4.8% [12]. Group 5: Haw Par Corporation - Haw Par operates in healthcare, leisure, property, and investments, known for its Tiger Balm brand, generating stable recurring dividend income [13]. - From FY2020 to FY2024, the dividend per share increased from S$0.30 to S$1.40, with a sustainable payout ratio between 38.8% and 60.2% [14]. - In the latest financial year, 73% of earnings came from investments, with a dividend yield of 2.6% at a share price of S$15.49, excluding a special dividend [15]. Group 6: Investment Implications - With Singapore's inflation projected at 0.5% to 1.5% for 2025, these dividend growers provide meaningful real returns above inflation, making them essential for protecting purchasing power [16]. - Focusing on dividend growth rather than just yield is crucial for long-term inflation protection [17].

Core Insights - The precious metals market, particularly gold and silver, is experiencing a significant upward trend driven by inflation, geopolitical instability, central bank accumulation, and supply constraints, presenting growth potential for mining companies [1][4][26] - LaFleur Minerals Inc. is positioned as a compelling investment opportunity due to its transition from exploration to production, owning a fully permitted gold-processing mill and an advanced exploration project [1][6][19] Industry Overview - The mining sector is benefiting from a resilient upswing in gold and silver prices, attracting investors seeking a hedge against economic downturns and inflation [3][4] - Companies with existing operations in stable jurisdictions are particularly appealing, as they combine tangible asset value with exposure to rising metal prices [5][22] LaFleur Minerals' Strategy - LaFleur Minerals is advancing its shift from explorer to near-term gold producer, focusing on restarting the Beacon Gold Mill, which is fully permitted and modernized [8][21] - The company plans to process ore from its Swanson Gold Deposit, with a Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) underway to evaluate the feasibility of an open-pit mining scenario [8][9][24] Key Assets and Developments - LaFleur's Swanson Gold Project has a current Mineral Resource Estimate of 123.4 koz Au Indicated and 64.5 koz Au Inferred, with ambitions to expand toward a million-ounce target [12][13] - The Beacon Gold Mill, with a processing capacity of 750 tonnes per day, underwent a C$20 million refurbishment and is positioned for a restart in Q4 2025 [10][18][21] Financial and Operational Readiness - LaFleur has budgeted C$5–6 million for mill upgrades, with a clear plan for operational ramp-up in early 2026 [21][23] - The company is also assessing a bulk sample of approximately 100,000 tonnes from the Swanson Project, expected to yield around 6,350 ounces of gold, enhancing its near-term production metrics [24][25]