The Swiss National Bank made a profit of around 26 billion Swiss francs ($32.52 billion) in 2025, the central bank said on Friday, thanks to big increases in gold prices as investors headed for safe-h... ...

BANGKOK (AP) — Asian shares were mostly lower in thin holiday trading as China staged military exercises near the island of Taiwan. The prices of gold and silver fell back after recent gains, while oil prices advanced. U.S. futures were little changed. Shares in Taiwan were higher even after China’s military said it was conducting the drills around the self-governed island that Beijing claims as its territory. China said the drills were intended to warn against what it called separatist and “external i ...

Between Buffett dumping Berkshire’s S&P 500 ETFs and other stocks, his retirement, plus his growing cash pile, investors may worry he's anticipating a near-term market crash. After all, the year’s market volatility, in part due to U.S. tariff uncertainty, has caused many investors and analysts to question if the country is headed for a recession.Read more: Warren Buffett used 8 solid, repeatable money rules to turn $9,800 into a $150B fortune. Start using them today to get rich (and stay rich)"Given Warren ...

Core Insights - Newmont (NEM) is adapting to the current economic context, indicating a focus on stability in an uncertain world [1] Group 1: Company Analysis - The company is perceived as a safe investment option amidst economic uncertainty, attracting investor interest [1] - Newmont's performance is analyzed beyond mere financial metrics, emphasizing the importance of macroeconomic dynamics in company valuation [1] Group 2: Market Context - The article reflects on the broader economic environment, highlighting the complexities and dynamics of markets, particularly in Latin America [1]

Core Insights - Global gold ETFs are nearing record holdings again, with U.S. and Asian investors increasing their positions while European investors are cashing out [1][5]. Group 1: Global ETF Holdings - Total worldwide ETF holdings increased by 55 tonnes in October, marking five consecutive months of inflows, bringing total assets to 3,893 tonnes, just shy of the record high set in 2020 [2]. - Gold prices have risen over 50% year-to-date, briefly reaching $4,380 per ounce before stabilizing around $4,000 [2]. Group 2: North American Investment Trends - North American investors were the largest buyers, adding 47 tonnes worth approximately $6.5 billion in October [3]. - Major ETFs like SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) and iShares Gold Trust (IAU) experienced consistent inflows despite mid-month volatility, indicating strong investor confidence [3][4]. - Lower-cost alternatives such as SPDR Gold MiniShares (GLDM) gained popularity as investors sought to hedge their portfolios amid declining yields and equity market concerns [3]. Group 3: European Market Dynamics - Europe experienced its second-largest monthly outflow on record, with holdings decreasing by 37 tonnes, equivalent to $4.5 billion [5]. - The largest withdrawals were from U.K. and Germany-listed products, as investors took profits following gold's significant rally [5]. - Switzerland saw inflows, but they were insufficient to counterbalance the major outflows from the U.K. and Germany, attributed to a stronger euro and easing inflation [5]. Group 4: Asian Market Activity - Asian investors showed strong demand for gold ETFs, purchasing 45 tonnes valued at approximately $6.1 billion, primarily driven by Chinese funds [6]. - Chinese gold ETFs, such as ChinaAMC Gold ETF and Bosera Gold ETF, have appreciated over 47% year-to-date, reflecting a shift towards gold as a hedge against market uncertainty amid U.S.-China tensions and a weakening yuan [6].

Group 1 - The recent surge in gold prices has faced a significant selloff, with a 6.5% decline bringing prices near $4,000, yet long-term bullish sentiment remains intact among investors [1][2] - Investor concerns over increasing budget deficits have contributed to a flight to gold, attracting both traditional and retail speculators [2][3] - Central bank buying has been a major driver of gold's price increase, with a notable rise in purchases following geopolitical tensions, particularly after the invasion of Ukraine [3][5] Group 2 - The volume of gold held by exchange-traded funds has increased by 4.2 million ounces in the past five weeks, reaching nearly 100 million ounces, indicating strong demand [4] - The market has seen a shift where weaker hands, such as institutional and retail investors, have recently entered, but the majority of the rally has been supported by stronger hands [4] - Central banks have significantly increased their gold reserves since the financial crisis, doubling their buying pace after the freezing of Russian assets in 2022 [4][5]

Core Insights - U.S. regional bank stocks experienced significant declines on October 16, 2025, due to emerging signs of credit stress in the banking sector [1] - Zions Bancorporation and Western Alliance Bancorporation reported substantial losses linked to troubled business loans, leading to a drop in their stock prices [2] Regional Banking Sector - The recent selloff in regional banks was triggered by a series of bankruptcies, notably the September bankruptcies of subprime auto lender Tricolor and auto parts supplier First Brands, which have raised concerns about interconnected risks within the financial system [3] - Jefferies Financial Group's asset management unit reported holding $715 million in receivables associated with First Brands' customers, highlighting potential hidden credit risks among U.S. banks, particularly smaller regional institutions [4] Market Volatility - The iPath Series B S&P 500 VIX Short-Term Futures ETN (VXX) saw a gain of 9.3% on October 16, 2025, indicating rising market volatility, while the SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY) lost 0.7% on the same day [5] - The regional banking sector had already faced turmoil earlier in 2023 following the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank, suggesting ongoing instability [5] Investment Alternatives - Investors are turning to Treasuries as a safe haven, with the iShares 7-10 Year Treasury Bond ETF (IEF) gaining 0.5% on October 16, 2025, as two-year yields dropped to 3.37% [6] - Money-market-based ETFs, such as the iShares Ultra Short Duration Bond Active ETF (ICSH), are gaining traction due to lower interest rate risks, with the ETF yielding 4.70% annually [7] - International bond markets are also seen as a potential cushion amid U.S. financial system jitters, with the Vanguard Total International Bond ETF (BNDX) currently yielding 4.31% annually [8] - The Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLP) is viewed as a safe, non-cyclical investment, likely to remain stable despite the ongoing U.S. government shutdown [9]

Core Insights - Silver has reached an all-time high, increasing over 70% year-to-date, with spot prices at approximately $51.70 per ounce, driven by economic uncertainty and industrial demand [1][3][11] Industry Overview - The surge in silver prices is attributed to renewed U.S.-China trade tensions, with President Trump imposing 100% tariffs on Chinese goods, raising concerns about supply-chain disruptions and global growth [3] - Expectations of further interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve in October and December have also bolstered silver prices, as lower borrowing costs typically weaken the dollar, making silver more attractive [4] - Silver's demand is not only defensive; it is crucial for fast-growing sectors such as clean energy, solar power, electronics, and electric vehicles, which is expected to sustain its momentum [5] Company Highlights Buenaventura Mining Company (BVN) - Buenaventura is a leading precious metals company in Peru, operating several key mines and holding significant stakes in other mining ventures, providing strong exposure to silver production [6][7] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for BVN indicates a projected sales growth of 25.7% and EPS growth of 12.5% for 2025, with further growth expected in 2026 [8] Fresnillo plc (FNLPF) - Fresnillo is a major silver and gold producer in Mexico, operating eight active mines and developing multiple exploration projects, positioning it for future growth [9][10] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Fresnillo suggests a substantial sales increase of 50.3% and an EPS surge of 352.8% for 2025, with continued growth anticipated in 2026 [12] Pan American Silver (PAAS) - Pan American is a significant silver and gold producer with operations across several countries, recently enhancing its silver reserves through the acquisition of MAG Silver [13][14] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for PAAS indicates a sales growth of 21.5% and an EPS increase of 153% for 2025, with further growth expected in 2026 [15] First Majestic Silver (AG) - First Majestic focuses on silver and gold production in Mexico and the U.S., operating multiple underground mines and recently acquiring Gatos Silver to enhance its production capabilities [16][17] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for AG forecasts a sales increase of 91.1% and an EPS jump of 228.5% for 2025, with positive revisions in EPS estimates for 2025 and 2026 [18]

Oil Market Insights - WTI crude prices have fallen below $60 per barrel due to easing tensions in the Middle East and weak sentiment between China and the U.S., which has diminished the geopolitical risk premium associated with oil [1] - The successful implementation of the Israel-Gaza ceasefire has contributed to lower geopolitical risk premiums in oil futures, with ICE Brent prices dropping below $64 per barrel [2] - Analysts indicate that ongoing tensions between China and the U.S. are not providing bullish momentum for crude oil, with potential impacts on global trade expected in 2026 if sanctions continue [2] Precious Metals - Silver prices have reached an all-time high of $49.55 per ounce, surpassing the previous record from 1980, driven by safe-haven demand and support from central bank purchases and renewable energy demand [3] Corporate Developments - Cenovus Energy has raised its bid for MEG Energy to $6.2 billion, marking the offer as its 'best and final' in response to a competing bid from Strathcona Resources [4] - Brazil's Petrobras has reported a new offshore oil discovery in the pre-salt Campos Basin, striking oil in the Agua Marinha block at depths exceeding 2,600 meters, in collaboration with TotalEnergies, Petronas, and QatarEnergy [5] - Mexico's government has removed restrictions on Pemex, granting the company full market control in the energy sector, including the elimination of regulations on sales prices for transportation fuels [6] - Trinidad and Tobago received a six-month sanctions waiver from the U.S. to develop the Dragon gas field, with Shell aiming for production of 0.35 BCf/d by the end of 2026 [7] - Chevron plans to begin drilling the Korikori-1 exploration well in Suriname's Block 5 by the end of October, enhancing the country's project portfolio following TotalEnergies' approval of the $12 billion Gran Morgu project [8] - Venture Global's shares fell by 15% after an arbitration court found the company in breach of obligations to BP regarding liquefied gas delivery from the Calcasieu Pass project [9]

Gold Market - A significant gold rally has seen prices soar past $3,800 per ounce, indicating growing distrust in global fiscal and monetary policies [2][7] - The SPDR Gold Shares ETF (GLD) has experienced a substantial 42% gain this year, reflecting heightened investor interest in gold as a safe haven [2][7] Automotive Sector - China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has announced new, stricter technical requirements for energy-saving and new energy vehicles (NEVs) to qualify for tax incentives, effective January 1, 2024 [3][7] - Non-compliant vehicles will be removed from the eligible catalog starting June 1, 2024, with a grace period for existing models until May 31, 2024 [3][7] - Tax incentives can include a full exemption or a 50% reduction, up to a maximum of 30,000 yuan ($4,100), for purchases made between January 1, 2024, and December 31, 2025 [3][7] Indian Financial Market - The Indian Rupee (INR) opened steady at 88.78 against the U.S. dollar, reflecting a slight depreciation trend amidst investor caution [4][7] - India's 10-year benchmark government bond yield experienced a marginal decline, settling at 6.5230%, down from 6.5239% [5][7] - The NSE Index began trading with a minor dip, opening down 0.06% in pre-open trade, indicating a cautious start for Indian equities [5][7]