Core Insights - The iShares Gold Trust (IAU) and iShares Silver Trust (SLV) provide direct exposure to precious metals, with differences in historical risk, recent returns, and ongoing costs [1][2] Cost & Size Comparison - IAU has an expense ratio of 0.25%, while SLV's is 0.50%, making IAU more affordable for long-term investors [3][4] - As of December 12, 2025, IAU's one-year return is 60.2%, compared to SLV's 98.9% [3] - IAU has assets under management (AUM) of $68.3 billion, while SLV has $33.4 billion [3] Performance & Risk Metrics - Over five years, IAU's maximum drawdown is -21.88%, while SLV's is -38.79% [5] - A $1,000 investment in IAU would grow to $2,322 over five years, while the same investment in SLV would grow to $2,532 [5] Fund Structure - Both IAU and SLV aim to mirror the prices of gold and silver, respectively, and do not hold traditional equities or distribute dividends [6][7] - SLV holds 100% exposure to real estate as classified in sector data, reflecting the underlying commodity rather than traditional property holdings [6] - IAU also shows 100% real estate sector exposure due to commodity classification [7] Market Context - Investors are increasingly turning to metal ETFs like IAU and SLV amid concerns about inflation and rising sovereign debt globally [8][13] - Both ETFs have outperformed the S&P 500's total return, with SLV significantly exceeding IAU's performance [10][13] Volatility Considerations - Silver is traditionally more volatile than gold, which can be advantageous in a bull market, as seen in the last five years [11]

2025 has been a remarkable year for bullion, with gold emerging as one of the top-performing major asset classes and hitting over 50 all-time highs as of Dec. 4, according to the World Gold Council. Gold prices have soared nearly 60% since January, repeatedly breaking historical records and now standing firmly above the $4,000-per-ounce mark.This exceptional rally, driven by a powerful confluence of geopolitical and economic forces, has drawn sustained investor interest toward the yellow metal. As the year ...

What Is Happening Behind The Scenes In The Gold Market Is Absolutely Wild What is happening behind the scenes in the gold market is absolutely wild.December 9 (King World News) – Chris Powell featured this absolutely brilliant piece from Robert Lambourne:  Developments this year have strengthened suspicions that the Bank of England is complicit in gold price suppression, especially developments with the custody of the United Kingdom’s reserves of foreign exchange and gold held in the government’s Exchange ...

Core Insights - The U.S. dollar is under persistent downward pressure in 2025 due to Fed interest rate cuts and economic instability, leading to increased investor anxiety and a negative outlook for the dollar [1] - The U.S. Dollar Index (DXY) has decreased by 0.70% over the past month and 8.73% year to date, with an all-time decline of 17.38% [1] Monetary Policy Impact - The value of the U.S. dollar is inversely related to the Federal Reserve's monetary policies, with interest rate cuts making the dollar less attractive to foreign investors [2] - Markets are anticipating an 89.4% likelihood of interest rates being lowered to 3.5-3.75% in December, which is a significant increase from previous expectations [3] Investor Behavior - Volatility in the U.S. economy has decreased investor appetite for U.S. assets, leading to reduced demand for the dollar and further weakening its value [4] - U.S. equity funds experienced a net outflow of $3.52 billion in the week to December 3, marking the second consecutive week of selling [5] Investment Opportunities - A weakening dollar necessitates portfolio diversification and hedging for investors, with specific funds recommended for exposure to precious metals and emerging markets [6] - Funds such as WisdomTree Emerging Currency Strategy Fund (CEW) and Invesco DB Precious Metals Fund (DBP) provide broader exposure to precious metals [7] - Emerging market equity funds attracted $3.11 billion in inflows in the week to December 3, marking the sixth straight week of net inflows, with the Dow Jones Emerging Markets Index up 20.48% year to date [9]

Core Viewpoint - Gold has significantly outperformed the S&P 500, trading at over $4,000 per ounce with a year-to-date gain of 54%, compared to the S&P 500's 13% increase [1][2] Gold Market Performance - The strong performance of gold highlights its status as a safe-haven asset amid market volatility, high inflation, and macroeconomic risks [2][5] - Central banks and institutions are accumulating record amounts of gold, making gold ETFs an accessible option for investors [3][10] Factors Driving Gold's Outperformance - Geopolitical instability, rising U.S. national debt, and tariff uncertainties have led to increased diversification into gold by central banks and private investors [5][6] - The S&P 500 has faced challenges from high valuations and concerns over the sustainability of the tech sector, particularly the AI industry [6][7] Future Outlook for Gold - The outlook for gold remains strong, driven by structural demand factors, including continued purchases from central banks [8][9] - J.P. Morgan projects gold prices could reach $5,200-$5,300 by the end of 2026, indicating a potential 25% increase from current levels [9] Recommended Gold ETFs - SPDR Gold Shares (GLD): Approximately $136.33 billion in AUM, with a year-to-date gain of 54.6% and a NAV of $374.65 [13] - iShares Gold Trust (IAU): $63.21 billion in net assets, year-to-date gain of 54.9%, and a NAV of $76.49 [14] - iShares Gold Trust Micro (IAUM): $5.41 billion in net assets, year-to-date gain of 55.1%, and a NAV of $40.48 [15]

Core Insights - Gold prices have fluctuated, recently trading below $4,000 per ounce due to a strong dollar and reduced chances of a U.S. interest rate cut, impacting demand for bullion [1] - In October, gold futures reached $4,000 per ounce for the first time, with year-to-date returns around 50%, significantly outperforming the S&P 500 index, which is up about 15% [2] - Gold's performance in 2025 follows a strong 2024, where it recorded a 26% annual increase, the best since 2010 [3] Tax Implications - Investment profits from physical gold and gold-tracking funds are taxed differently than traditional assets, potentially leading to higher tax bills for investors in top brackets [3][4] - Long-term capital gains on collectibles, including physical gold, are taxed at a top rate of 28%, which is higher than the 20% rate for long-term capital gains on stocks [5][6] - Gold futures contracts have a different tax structure, with a top federal tax rate of 26.8%, calculated as 60% of profits taxed at 20% and 40% at 37% [7][12] Investment Considerations - Investors should be aware that not all gold ETFs are taxed the same, and those holding physical gold or collectibles face higher tax rates [6][8] - Holding gold in a taxable brokerage account incurs these tax implications, while gold held in tax-preferred retirement accounts like IRAs is exempt from these rules [9] - The complexity of tax filings for gold futures funds, which often require K-1 forms, may deter some investors despite potential tax advantages [13]

Core Viewpoint - The U.S. dollar is experiencing significant downward pressure in 2025 due to Fed interest rate cuts and economic instability, leading to increased investor anxiety and a negative outlook for the greenback [1]. Factors Behind Greenback's Decline - Concerns over a potential AI bubble and high equity valuations are prompting investors to move away from U.S. equities, further weakening the dollar [2]. - Increased hedging activity has contributed to the dollar's weakness this year [2]. Impact of Fed Policies - The value of the dollar is inversely related to the Fed's monetary policies, with interest rate cuts making the dollar less attractive to foreign investors [4]. - Markets are predicting a 53.6% chance of another interest rate cut in December, with 80% of economists expecting a 25 basis point reduction to support the cooling labor market [5]. Investment Strategies - Investors are advised to diversify and hedge their portfolios against a weakening dollar by increasing exposure to specific funds [6]. - Recommended funds include WisdomTree Emerging Currency Strategy Fund (CEW), iShares Gold Trust (IAU), SPDR Gold MiniShares Trust (GLDM), and iShares Gold Trust Micro (IAUM) to enhance exposure to gold [7].

Core Insights - The SPDR Gold Trust (GLD) experienced a 5% decline over the past week due to easing U.S.-China trade tensions, a stronger U.S. dollar, and technical indicators suggesting overbought conditions [1] - The U.S. dollar ETF Invesco DB US Dollar Index Bullish Fund (UUP) gained 0.5% over the past week and 1.3% over the past month, while lower-than-expected September inflation negatively impacted gold prices [2] - A potential U.S.-China trade agreement could significantly reduce geopolitical tensions that have been supporting gold prices [3] Gold Market Performance - The gold bullion ETF GLD has surged approximately 53.8% year-to-date and 7.1% over the past month, while the S&P 500 has increased by 15.8% this year and 2% in the past month [5] - Investors are increasingly turning to gold as a safe-haven asset amid global instability, geopolitical tensions, and the likelihood of Federal Reserve rate cuts [6] Central Bank Demand - Central bank demand, particularly from BRICS nations and emerging economies, is driving the gold rally as these countries seek to diversify away from the U.S. dollar [7] Investment Recommendations - Ray Dalio of Bridgewater Associates recommends a 15% portfolio allocation to gold, citing its role as a hedge against monetary debasement and geopolitical uncertainty [8] - Dalio compares the current market environment to the early 1970s, highlighting gold as a credible safe-haven asset amid high inflation and government debt [9] Future Projections - Market expert Ed Yardeni predicts gold could reach $10,000 per ounce by 2030, driven by factors such as tariffs, pressure on the Fed to lower interest rates, and issues in China's real estate market [11] - For investors looking to capitalize on the bullish trend, gold ETFs like SPDR Gold Trust (GLD), iShares Gold Trust (IAU), and SPDR Gold MiniShares Trust (IAUM) are recommended [12]

Core Viewpoint - Gold prices experienced a significant decline on October 21, 2025, marking the largest daily drop in years, attributed to easing U.S.-China trade tensions, a stronger U.S. dollar, and technical indicators suggesting overbought conditions [1][2]. Group 1: Market Performance - The SPDR Gold Trust (GLD) lost approximately 6.9% over two days as of October 22, 2025 [1]. - The gold bullion ETF GLD has surged about 53.7% year-to-date as of October 22, 2025, with a 9% increase over the past month [5]. - In comparison, the S&P 500 has rallied 14.2% this year and 0.6% in the past month [5]. Group 2: Analyst Perspectives - Analysts view the recent drop in gold prices as a temporary setback, with ongoing high inflation, low real interest rates, and geopolitical uncertainties supporting a bullish outlook for gold [3]. - Bank of America maintains a "long gold" stance, predicting prices could reach $6,000 per ounce by mid-2026, while Goldman Sachs has raised its forecast to $4,900 per ounce by the end of next year [4]. Group 3: Investment Trends - There is a notable increase in central bank demand for gold, particularly from BRICS nations and emerging economies, as they seek to diversify away from the U.S. dollar [7]. - Ray Dalio recommends that investors allocate up to 15% of their portfolios to gold, emphasizing its role as a hedge against monetary debasement and geopolitical uncertainty [8]. - Market expert Ed Yardeni predicts gold could reach $10,000 an ounce by 2030, driven by various economic factors [11]. Group 4: ETF Opportunities - For investors looking to capitalize on the bullish trend in gold, ETFs such as SPDR Gold Trust (GLD), iShares Gold Trust (IAU), and SPDR Gold MiniShares Trust (IAUM) are highlighted as potential investment options [12].

Core Viewpoint - Gold prices experienced a significant decline on October 21, 2025, marking the largest daily drop in 12 years, with spot gold falling over 6% and SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) losing approximately 6.4% on the same day [1][2]. Market Dynamics - The selloff was attributed to easing U.S.-China trade tensions, a stronger U.S. dollar, and technical indicators suggesting that gold had entered overbought territory [2]. - Despite the drop, some analysts, including Tom Essaye from Sevens Report Research, view this as a temporary setback, citing ongoing high inflation, low real interest rates, geopolitical uncertainty, and the U.S. government shutdown as factors supporting a bullish outlook for gold [3][6]. Investment Outlook - Investment firms maintain a bullish stance on gold, with Bank of America predicting prices could reach $6,000 per ounce by mid-2026, while Goldman Sachs raised its forecast to $4,900 per ounce by the end of next year [4]. - The SPDR Gold Trust (GLD) has surged approximately 54% in 2025, with a monthly gain of over 9%, contrasting with the S&P 500's 15% increase year-to-date [5]. Safe-Haven Demand - The current global instability and geopolitical tensions have driven investors towards gold as a safe-haven asset, further fueled by the U.S. government shutdown [6]. - Central bank demand, particularly from BRICS nations and emerging economies seeking to diversify from the U.S. dollar, has led to record levels of sovereign gold purchases [7]. Strategic Recommendations - Ray Dalio, founder of Bridgewater Associates, recommends that investors allocate up to 15% of their portfolios to gold, emphasizing its role as a hedge against monetary debasement and geopolitical risks [8]. - Dalio draws parallels between the current market environment and the early 1970s, highlighting the appeal of gold amidst high inflation and government spending [9]. Future Projections - Market expert Ed Yardeni suggests that gold could reach $10,000 per ounce by 2030, driven by factors such as tariffs, pressure on the Fed to lower interest rates, and issues in China's real estate market [10]. Investment Vehicles - For investors looking to capitalize on the bullish trend in gold, ETFs such as SPDR Gold Trust (GLD), iShares Gold Trust (IAU), and SPDR Gold Minishares Trust (IAUM) are highlighted as potential investment options [11].