Core Viewpoint - Gold prices are reaching record levels, drawing significant attention from investors and analysts, with futures trading around $4,600 after a strong performance in late 2025 and early 2026 [1] Group 1: Market Dynamics - Central banks are consistently increasing their gold reserves, with major banks discussing potential price scenarios that could reach $5,000, indicating a bullish outlook for gold in 2026 [2] - The broader precious metals sector has shown the strongest performance across the commodities complex last year, highlighting a favorable market environment for gold [1] Group 2: Investment Vehicles - SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) is an established ETF that holds physical gold bullion and aims to mirror the LBMA Gold PM Price, providing a straightforward investment option for exposure to gold [5] - The GLD ETF structure is designed to be long-only and not leveraged, ensuring that share prices move in line with gold prices, which simplifies the investment process [6] - This ETF is positioned within the ETFs, Metals, and Precious Metals segments, distinguishing it from mining stocks and broad materials funds, making it easier for investors to understand its purpose [7] Group 3: Practical Considerations - The GLD ETF serves as a tactical holding during inflationary periods, currency weakness, or equity market downturns, as it directly reflects the spot market prices of gold [8] - By linking the investment strategy to physical gold bars, the GLD ETF avoids common issues associated with holding gold directly, such as storage, insurance, and logistics [9]

Fed Chair Jerome Powell is confronting an unprecedented institutional crisis, as the Department of Justice initiated a criminal investigation into his conduct regarding Federal Reserve headquarters renovations – a move that fundamentally challenges the central bank independence at a critical juncture in his tenure. Powell delivered a rare and direct public response through an unusual Sunday evening video statement, in which he characterized the probe as a pretext to coerce monetary policy decisions toward ...

Most investors have heard by now that gold (GCG26) has been on a tear for the last year. And silver (SIH26), its unruly little brother, has been tagging along for the ride. But in recent months – since the April correction – silver (100% ytd) has outperformed gold (55% ytd). That could be because gold had gotten too expensive in relation to silver, and precious metal traders saw value in the grey metal. More News from Barchart This chart shows the gold/silver ratio going back to 2000, and any spike abo ...