Core Viewpoint - Tether Holdings SA has emerged as a significant player in the global gold market, accumulating a substantial gold reserve and positioning itself similarly to a central bank in its gold strategy [2][4][19]. Group 1: Tether's Gold Accumulation - Tether has rapidly increased its gold purchases, acquiring over 70 tons in the past year, making it one of the largest buyers in the market, second only to Poland's central bank [6][12]. - The company currently holds approximately 140 tons of gold, valued at around $23 billion, which is the largest known hoard outside of central banks and major financial institutions [7][11]. - Tether's buying rate is about one to two tons per week, with plans to continue this pace for the foreseeable future [8][9]. Group 2: Market Impact and Strategy - Tether's purchases have likely contributed to gold's 65% price rally last year, indicating its influence on global gold prices [11][12]. - The company aims to compete with major banks in gold trading, seeking to establish a robust trading floor for gold to capitalize on market inefficiencies [14][15]. - Tether is also exploring investments in royalty companies related to gold mining, further diversifying its exposure to the gold market [17][18]. Group 3: Future Outlook and Products - Tether is developing a gold-backed token, Tether Gold (XAUT), which has already issued tokens equivalent to about 16 tons of gold, with expectations of significant market circulation growth [23][24]. - The company anticipates that XAUT could require additional gold purchases, potentially exceeding one ton per week, to meet demand [24]. - Tether's strategy reflects a broader trend of increasing interest in gold as a hedge against currency debasement, particularly among emerging market users of its dollar stablecoin [19][25].

Group 1 - The overall rejection rate for any kind of credit in the past 12 months has increased to 24.8% from 23.1%, marking a new series high, with mortgage refinancing rejections hitting a record 45.7% [4] - A study indicates that only 40% of workers aged 61 to 65 are financially on track for retirement, with a median annual deficit of $9,000, representing a 24% shortfall in their funding needs [6] - Nearly 875,000 homeowners have underwater mortgages, the highest level in three years, attributed to softening home prices and elevated borrowing costs [14] Group 2 - The US is preparing $2,000 stimulus checks, while Japan and China are preparing stimulus packages of $110 billion and $1.4 trillion respectively, indicating a global trend towards monetary easing [8] - The 401(k) contribution limit for workers under 50 will increase to $24,500 in 2026, with higher limits for older workers, providing an opportunity for increased retirement savings [10] - The number of housing foreclosures has risen, with over 101,000 properties receiving filings in Q3, a 17% increase from the previous year [17] Group 3 - The three major stock indices posted significant losses for the week, with the S&P 500 and Dow down 2% and the Nasdaq down 2.7%, highlighting market volatility [20] - The "Magnificent 7 stocks" now account for over 36% of the S&P 500's total market capitalization, with NVIDIA alone contributing 20%, raising concerns about market concentration [20] - The US Mint has stopped producing pennies, a move seen as a sign of the declining value of the US dollar, which costs 3.7 cents to produce [25][30]

Market Outlook - The stock market is expected to become increasingly volatile in the coming years due to the current debasement of the US dollar [1]