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Why Gold Prices Are At Record Highs

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From central banks to Costco shoppers, everyone is purchasing gold these days. Spot gold touched $2,364 per ounce on Tuesday, following seven consecutive sessions of record highs and trading at $2,336 per ounce on Monday. Year on year, gold is up 16.5%.

Investors who expect the Federal Reserve to lower its benchmark interest rate are the primary drivers of price increases, but other factors, such as central banks buying gold, headed by China, to reduce reliance on US currency, are also contributing.

gold

Why Gold Prices Are At Record Highs

Central banks view gold as a long-term store of value and a haven during periods of economic and international crisis.

Gold is regarded as a reliable investment. When interest rates fall, gold prices often climb, as bullion becomes more tempting than income-paying assets such as bonds. Investors also view gold as a hedge against inflation, anticipating that it would preserve its value as prices rise.

According to Reuters, the People’s Bank of China purchased gold for the 17th consecutive month in March, adding 160,000 ounces to its stockpile of 72.74 million troy ounces.

According to a UBS research note dated April 9, central banks may wish to “diversify away” from the US currency and acquire it in the face of geopolitical instability. Demand drives up prices as China expands its reserves, which traditional investors have already increased.

According to a Capital Economics research report published on April 9, Chinese investors are looking to gold as an alternative asset due to recent downturns in property valuations and equity prices.

Other central banks, including India and Turkey, are expanding their reserves. According to UBS, India’s GDP growth is fueling these acquisitions.

gold

A sign of the times?

According to Ulf Lindahl, CEO of Currency Research Associates, central banks’ appetite for gold indicates a declining reliance on the dollar.

Lindahl said in an email that dollars are becoming increasingly undesirable to central banks seeking to reduce their economic dependency on the United States.

According to a March JP Morgan research note, nations not allies of the United States may accumulate gold to “mix away from dollars” and lessen vulnerability to sanctions.

According to the note, central bank purchases have fuelled the rise in gold prices since 2022. According to JP Morgan, gold may be entering a strong era, as central bank purchases of gold in 2022 were more than double the average annual buy over the previous decade.

The price increase coincides with US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen’s visit to China to address financial stability in US-China relations and what Yellen refers to as Chinese electric vehicle overproduction.

Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody’s, believes that rising oil costs threaten the US economy.

According to the UBS research report, higher oil costs are anticipated to raise inflationary fears, causing gold prices to rise.

The typical view of gold
The spike in gold prices indicates that investors expect the Fed to drop interest rates later this year, but they may be concerned about the prospects of containing inflation without causing the US economy to enter a recession, sometimes known as a soft landing.

According to an April 9 research note from UBS, the prospect of Fed rate cuts remains the primary driver of optimistic sentiment toward gold.

Fed Chair Jerome Powell said in remarks on April 3 that inflation remains on a “sometimes bumpy path” toward the Fed’s 2% target and that rate cuts to rebalance the economy are expected to begin later this year.

According to CME Group data, 51% of investors currently predict a quarter-point decrease in June. However, employment growth in March exceeded projections, casting doubt on the need for numerous rate reductions in an economy that remains strong.

The Personal Consumption Expenditures price index, the Fed’s favored inflation gauge, increased 2.5% in the year ended in February. According to Department of Commerce figures issued this month, this represents a little uptick from the 2.4% increase in January.

The core PCE price index, which excludes the more volatile food and energy sectors, increased 0.3% monthly. Fed officials consider the index a key indicator of underlying inflation, and it fell from 0.4% in January when it increased at the strongest rate in a year.

gold

So, why is gold soaring right now?

Some investors are buying into the frenzy around gold bullion as prices increase, pushing them further. On Reddit, proud buyers frequently create threads touting their collections.

Costco started selling bars online in August and silver coins in January. Wells Fargo estimates that the corporation currently sells up to $200 million in gold and silver per month. Chief Financial Officer Richard Galanti told analysts in December that the company had sold over $100 million in gold bars in the previous quarter.

The investment note, released on April 9, stated, “The accelerating frequency of Reddit posts, quick online sell-outs of product, and [the company’s] robust monthly eComm sales suggests a sharp uptick in momentum since the launch.”

Lindahl stated that “trend followers” and others capitalize on price increases as the long-term trend indicates much higher costs.

It’s also worth mentioning that gold has historically been a haven during political turmoil. Voters in almost 60 countries, including the US presidential election, will go to the polls this year. The increase in geopolitical and economic volatility highlights the value of precious metals.

SOURCE – (CNN)

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Forex Trading Gains Popularity in Thailand

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Forex Trading Gains Popularity in Thailand
Recent reports reveal that the Thai government has plans to relax laws on forex trading.

Forex Trading, the buying and selling of currencies has long been considered a game played by a handful of countries with strong financial stability and stronger currencies, such as the United Kingdom, the United States, the UAE, and even Singapore. However, recent reports have painted a very different picture: most forex search acts use the world’s smaller economies.

While this doesn’t mean that they are engaging in forex trading, it does mean that the interest is there and with a little fostering and some education, the forex economy would bloom. Such is the case with Thailand.

Attempting to gain financial independence through forex

As a country with cheap labor and few job opportunities, forex trading is gaining widespread attention as natives gain more insights into the world of forex via social media and the Internet. There are countless TikTok videos on how to become financially independent through trading, specifically forex trading, and these unconventional—but previously inaccessible—ways of making money are generating lots of interest, especially with the younger generation.

The Internet creates accessibility for Thai nationals interested in forex.

Without the rise of smartphones and data plans, forex might not have reached such levels of interest in Thailand. Aside from how information regarding trading opportunities is peddled through social media, the Internet has also created a platform for accessible trading. Thai nationals are able to source international brokers and global platforms instead of relying on national institutions that do not offer support for forex trading.

Thatn’t I forex supported in Thailand?

National institutions don’t support Forex trading in Thailand that don’t support Forex trading in Thailand. There are currency restrictions. In 1977, during the Tom Yum Kung crisis, the country’s mismanagement of the Thai baht caused a withdrawal of foreign investments due to trade deficits.

However, hope is not all lost. As mentioned above, social media is a means for local residents to learn more about their options and finding a reputable โบรกเกอร์ forex broker is by no means impossible. In fact, as long as users steer clear of pyramid schemes, they are eligible to register an account with a foreign currency broker outside of the country, and it is all very legal.

The Future of Forex Trading in Thailand

Recent reports reveal that the Thai government has plans to relax laws on forex trading. According to Chananun Supadulya, the BoT’s Foreign Exchange Administration and Policy Department director, the annual outflow limit will be raised from US$50,000 to US$200,000. This shows promise that Thailand will benefit further from forex, and the economy will boom with the right regulations in place.

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Bitcoin Goes Over $80,000

Bitcoin Goes Over $80,000 As Buyers Guess Whether Trump Will Run For President.

 

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Common Pitfalls to Avoid in Future and Option Trading

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Option Trading

Options Trading involves buying and selling financial instruments such as stocks, bonds, or commodities to profit from price fluctuations. Understanding common mistakes in this area is crucial to avoid significant financial losses. Hence, seamless trading is essential for maximizing profits and minimizing risks.

Many traders fall into similar traps, leading to preventable errors that could have been avoided with the proper knowledge. This article outlines critical future and options trading pitfalls and provides strategies to prevent them. By reading this, you will be better equipped to navigate the complexities of the market and achieve tremendous trading success.

Overleveraging: A Double-Edged Sword

Overleveraging is a common pitfall that can lead to catastrophic results if the market moves against your position. However, one of the most enticing aspects of such trading is the ability to use leverage. It allows you to control a more prominent position with relatively little capital, potentially amplifying your profits.

This double-edged sword can just as quickly magnify your losses. Many traders get caught up in the allure of potential profits and forget that the same leverage that can boost gains can also wipe out an account in minutes. Setting strict leverage limits and using risk management tools like stop-loss orders can help mitigate this risk.

Ignoring Market Volatility When Trading: A Risky Oversight

Volatility measures market uncertainty, and understanding it can be the difference between profit and loss. Ignoring or underestimating market volatility is a pitfall that can lead to unexpected and often severe losses. The value of options, in particular, is susceptible to changes in volatility, making it crucial for traders to understand and anticipate market swings.

To navigate this effectively, traders should regularly monitor market conditions and use volatility indicators to inform their strategies. Adapting your trading approach to different volatility environments can help you capitalize on opportunities while minimizing risks.

Failing to Diversify: Do not Put All Your Eggs in One Basket

Diversification is fundamental in any investment strategy, yet it is often overlooked in futures and options trading. Focusing too heavily on a single asset or market can expose you to unnecessary risk.

A well-diversified portfolio significantly reduces the impact of poor-performing investments and helps maintain stability; a sudden adverse movement in one sector can lead to a substantial loss if your portfolio is not diversified.

To avoid this pitfall, ensure your trading strategy includes a variety of assets and sectors. Whether you are trading commodities, indices, or equities, spreading your investments can buffer against market volatility and enhance your overall portfolio stability.

Neglecting Continuous Education: Knowledge is Power

One of the biggest mistakes traders make is neglecting continuous education. Future and options trading is complex, and staying informed about contemporary trends, strategies, and market news is crucial for success. Ongoing learning ensures that you remain adaptable and prepared for any market conditions.

Investing time in education can significantly improve your trading performance. Attend seminars, read books, follow market analysts, and consider taking courses on advanced trading strategies. The more you know, the better equipped you will be to navigate the complexities of trading.

Seamless futures and options trading enhance financial freedom by ensuring smoother transactions, reducing risks, and maximizing profits. By mastering futures and options trade techniques, you can make informed decisions that lead to financial stability.

To achieve your financial goals, you must acknowledge and rectify the abovementioned mistakes. With the appropriate approach, you can navigate the world of trading precisely. So, stay informed and trade wisely.

 

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Crypto And Meme Stock Boosters Aren’t Doing ‘Trump Trades’ — They’re Just Doing Trades

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Donald Trump Vows to Fire SEC Chair and Revamp Crypto Policies if Re-Elected

Bitcoin bulls and meme stock traders are excited about the prospect of another Donald Trump presidency. Or at least the possibility of conducting some momentum trading in the next 18 days.

Here is the deal: Bitcoin, the world’s largest cryptocurrency, surged briefly to a three-month high above $68,000 on Wednesday, fueled by a combination of signals, including the former president’s statement on X that “crypto is the future” and Vice President Kamala Harris’ nod Monday to regulatory support for digital assets.

At the same time, Trump Media shares were recovering from Tuesday’s inexplicable 10% dip and resumed their meme-stock-like trend of rising without any fundamental cause to do so. The stock closed Wednesday up more than 15%.

Crypto And Meme Stock Boosters Aren’t Doing ‘Trump Trades’ — They’re Just Doing Trades

What do digital currencies and media stocks have in common?

Not much generally. However, in recent weeks, they appear to have shifted in tandem with traders’ estimates of Trump’s reelection chances.

To be clear, these traders do not have a crystal ball; they are simply wagering, with varied degrees of skill, on highly volatile assets.

Crypto traders are ecstatic at the Republican nominee’s apparent 180 on an asset class he previously branded as a fraud. Even if Tuesday’s launch of Trump-backed cryptocurrency platform World Liberty Financial revealed lukewarm interest and numerous technical issues, the former president has spent months recruiting industry billionaires and generally telling devotees what they want to hear.

That enthusiasm skyrocketed Wednesday when Trump extended his lead over Harris on Polymarket, a cryptocurrency-focused predictions website where you can wager on the election outcome. According to those investors, Trump has a 59% probability against Harris’ 41%. (This is drastically out of line with national polls, including CNN’s “Poll of Polls,” which currently show a near tie.)

“As the election approaches, voting estimates may cause market swings,” says Robinhood’s senior director of investment strategy, Steph Guild. Bitcoin may gain from Trump’s improved odds, she said, “given that he is seen as more friendly to crypto in general.”

Aside from the election prediction game, Adrian Fritz, global head of research for crypto business 21shares, tells me that bitcoin, a bellwether for the broader crypto market, is being propelled by other macro tailwinds. Not least, central banks around the world are lowering interest rates, making risky assets such as cryptocurrency more appealing. Plus, it’s #Uptober, a month when digital assets have historically performed well.

“It’s no surprise that it became way more political on both sides,” Fritz points out. “The positive aspect is that it draws attention to the entire space…” We firmly believe that, regardless of who wins, the outcome will be beneficial to the industry.

Trump Media, meanwhile, is witnessing a pre-election spike. However, it is unique in terms of turnover and swings similar to meme stocks.

According to Barron’s journalist Al Root, the equivalent of all DJT shares available for sale has changed hands multiple times in the last week, with investors hanging onto the stock for an average of only two days. For instance, Root observes that Apple shares take more than a year to fully turn over.

Crypto And Meme Stock Boosters Aren’t Doing ‘Trump Trades’ — They’re Just Doing Trades

That level of volatility makes cryptocurrency appear stable in comparison, but it attracts a certain type of iron-stomach trader looking to purchase on the rise and sell before it peaks. (Sounds simple, but your investment adviser might tell you you’d be better off going to a casino, where you could have a great cocktail and enjoy playing cards while losing money.)

Fritz thinks that momentum plays are “absolutely” happening. “This affects both consumers and professional investors. “The basis trade is one of the most popular bitcoin strategies,” he stated.

(In other words, hedge funds are leveraging up to execute complicated trades that take advantage of slight price variations between bitcoin’s spot price and futures market pricing, increasing trading volume even further.)

Bottom line: Bitcoin and Trump Media may get considerably more volatile in the coming weeks as more traders enter the market. However, if analysts or voters are looking to the market for clues as to how this presidential election will play out, keep in mind that traders will trade. While some sincere believers may be investing in supposedly pro-Trump assets, the great majority are simply working the casino floor, hoping to cover their bets and gain a few bucks.

SOURCE | AP

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