26/08/2023: Investors await signals from Powell at Jackson Hole Symposium, Wagner boss Prigozhin reportedly killed in a plane crash with no survivors, global stock markets lost about $3 trillion in August. And more.

Weekly Digest: Fed Meets at Jackson Hole, Prigozhin Plane Crash

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Jerome Powell, head of the Federal Reserve, is set to address the annual central banking summit in Jackson Hole. While the market anticipates reassurance that U.S. interest rates have stabilized, Powell is expected to maintain caution regarding inflationary pressures. (

We'll catch you up on all the details from Powell's Jackson Hole speech next week!

Last year, Powell's unexpectedly hawkish speech sent shockwaves through markets. However, with interest rates at historic highs, Powell's message is likely to be more nuanced this time. Analysts speculate that he may still create market tremors, especially given current unease about rising US long-term borrowing costs.

Ronald Temple, Lazard's chief market strategist, predicts Powell will balance the Fed's progress in curbing inflation with a cautious stance on future rate hikes.

Gold inches lower as investors await Jackson Hole signals.

Gold slipped slightly on Thursday as U.S. labor market data boosted the dollar and yields, yet the precious metal remained within a narrow range, with traders gearing up for insights from central bankers at the Jackson Hole symposium.

Spot gold dipped 0.02% to $1,913.99 per ounce, holding close to recent highs. U.S. gold futures saw a 0.3% decline to $1,941.60.

Despite a dip, the labor market's strength suggests the Fed might maintain higher rates for a prolonged period.

Indices like Wall Street's S&P 500, Europe's Stoxx 600, and China's CSI 300 collectively lost around $2.8tn in August, roughly 5% of their total value. 

Analysts highlight a "witches' brew" of factors dampening sentiment, including China's economic woes and mounting worries about the real estate sector.

Technology stocks, including giants like Apple, Nvidia, Tesla, and Microsoft, have been among the hardest hit, contributing to the market downturn.

Despite a strong first half of the year, the sudden shift in market sentiment has raised concerns about equity valuations and the outlook for growth.

The euro-area economy is going through a tough time. 

The previously robust performance of service sectors, including restaurants and retail, has hit a stumbling block this month, aligning with the challenges already faced by industrial sectors. The German economy saw its biggest drop since May 2020's first wave of the pandemic, while the French economy also shrank for the third month straight. 

The Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI), which helps us know if businesses are doing well or not, dropped to 47 in August, prompting economists to sound the alarm.

The PMI is like a report card for businesses. It helps us know if businesses are doing well or not. If the PMI number is above 50, it means businesses are growing. But if it's below 50, it means they're having a tough time.

Oil prices took a dip in early trading on Wednesday, grappling with worries about prolonged higher U.S. interest rates and a potential slowdown in China's economic growth, which could dent fuel demand. 

Brent crude slipped 0.2% to $83.86 a barrel, and U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude edged down 0.1% to $79.56 a barrel, as investors ponder the impact of evolving economic dynamics.

As markets grapple with the potential consequences of shifting economic factors, including interest rates and China's economic performance, the oil industry holds its breath for upcoming announcements and data releases, including the Jackson Hole meeting, that could offer insights into the path ahead.

Two former high-ranking figures at JPMorgan Chase & Co.'s precious-metals desk have been sentenced to prison for their roles in spoofing, fraud, and market manipulation. This marks a significant development in the ongoing crackdown on questionable trading practices, with the heaviest sentence to date. 

Michael Nowak, previously in charge of gold and silver trading, and trader Gregg Smith have been sentenced by US District Judge Edmond Chang in Chicago. Nowak received a one-year-and-one-day term, while Smith was handed a two-year sentence, signaling a stern stance on market manipulation.

The two were convicted in a trial last year, with Smith being referred to as a prolific "spoofer," and Nowak characterized as the driving force behind the manipulation scheme.

A meme mocking the Fed’s policy moves to control the economy

Chinese flag with economic indicators

China's brewing debt crisis: a Lehman moment on the horizon? 

As signs of turmoil intensify in China's financial landscape, concerns grow about an impending debt crisis. Recent defaults and economic woes have prompted comparisons to the 2008 Lehman Brothers collapse. The nation's banking system's substantial exposure to toxic debt, coupled with a unique approach to handling financial challenges, raises questions about the need for a cleansing shock to prevent a bigger catastrophe. 

Warning bells echo as China's financial ecosystem teeters on the edge. Defaults by significant players like Country Garden Holdings Co. and missed payments from private wealth managers have triggered distress signals. Strains from regional governments reliant on land sales add to the concerns.

China's banking system holds a massive load of local government debt, accounting for 29% of total assets. Additionally, it faces exposure of around 58 trillion yuan to the real estate sector. A Lehman-like moment seems possible.

Artist depiction of the the Chandrayaan lunar mission from India.

 India becomes the 4th country to land on the moon, following Russia, the U.S., and China. Notably, it claims the distinction of being the first to land on one of the moon's lunar poles. 

Launched last month, the Chandrayaan-3 mission achieved a successful landing at approximately 8:34 a.m. ET.

Earlier this week, Russia's long-awaited return to lunar exploration ended in failure as its Luna-25 spacecraft spun out of control and ultimately crashed into the moon. The mission faced a critical setback during preparations for its pre-landing orbit, highlighting the stark decline of Russia's once-potent space program in the post-Soviet era.

A plane crash north of Moscow has sent shockwaves through Russia as Yevgeny Prigozhin, the head of the Wagner mercenary group, was reportedly on board with no survivors. The incident occurs just two months after Prigozhin led a dramatic mutiny against the Russian army's top brass. 

The circumstances surrounding the crash raise questions, with a Telegram channel connected to Wagner pronouncing Prigozhin dead, casting him as a heroic figure who fell at the hands of "traitors to Russia."

Although there's no official word from the Kremlin or the Defence Ministry about Prigozhin's fate, the crash site paints a grim picture. Black body bags were observed being stretchered away, and fragments of the aircraft were scattered near a wooded area. The crash's enigma has sparked speculation ranging from Russian state involvement to actions linked to Ukraine's Independence Day.

 for unleashing war as he addressed the BRICS summit remotely. He reiterated his stance that the expansion of NATO and other Western actions drove Russia's intervention in the Ukraine conflict. Meanwhile, Ukraine reported thwarted drone strikes by Russia on its southern Odesa and Danube regions that triggered fires at multiple grain facilities. 

In the meantime, Russia claimed to have thwarted a series of Ukrainian drone strikes on Moscow, marking the sixth consecutive day of reported incidents. This escalation in drone activity adds to the tensions between the two nations.

Nano structure, crystal lattice, cyber network 3D illustration

A surprise piece in a puzzle we thought was complete. 

In a groundbreaking experiment, scientists have uncovered puzzling behavior from a tiny particle known as a muon. This unexpected discovery is causing researchers to question what we know about how the universe works. 

In the experiment, scientists looked at how muons wobbled when they moved through a magnetic field. Muons are like electrons and have a little magnet inside them that makes them wobble, kind of like a spinning top's handle moving around. 

But what surprised everyone was that the wobbling speed didn't match what scientists thought it should be according to the usual rules of particle physics. 

"We are looking for an indication that the muon is interacting with something that we do not know about. It could be anything: new particles, new forces, new dimensions, new features of space-time, anything,"

 said Brendan Casey, a senior scientist at Fermilab said.

Gold offers several powerful advantages as a store of value. Discover why more and more investors are turning to this precious metal.

What are the advantages of gold compared to other investments?

A look at the strong changes in demand in the gold sector y-o-y.

A Shift in Gold Demand Trends

Good thing central banks can't print gold. 😉

21.9% Annual Inflation... and Counting

Despite slowing down, the frenzy around silver has kept prices up, and demand for physical bars and coins strong, while doubts over the state of the silver stocks emerge. Is Silver Setting the Stage for a Breakout?

Is Silver Setting the Stage for a Breakout?

We are thrilled to announce that our CEO Alessandro Soldati was invited for an open and lively discussion on a popular YouTube channel Frugalisme et Liberte Financiere.

How to Buy Physical Gold Online in 2022?

17/02/22: The European Central Bank could raise interest rates in 2022, the gold price goes up as tensions over Ukraine resurface, Switzerland lifts most Covid-19 restrictions. And more.

Weekly Digest: ECB Rate Hikes, Gold Up on Ukraine Tensions

Choosing between gold and silver: A comparison to help you decide which metal might be right for you.

Should You Buy Gold or Silver?

Reddit and the Wall Street Silver crowd are planning a new #Silversqueeze. With more coordination and hindsight, will they succeed in rising the silver price? 

#Silversqueeze 2.0?                         

The Federal Reserve’s inflation goals are getting risky and could cause the rate to overheat dangerously if they were to push it too hard.

The Fed’s Dangerous Game

Meet GOLD AVENUE CEO, Alessandro Soldati, in our first Q&A video session!

Q&A with our CEO - Alessandro Soldati

The Fed desperately wants higher inflation that would exceed its 2% target. Will the ECB follow the lead? It looks like it. 

Does the European Central Bank Want High Inflation?

24/02/22: Russia has launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the S&P is in a correction for the first time since the 2020 Wall Street plunge, gold hits a 20-month high. And more. 

Weekly digest: Ukraine Crisis, Markets Shaken, Gold’s Up

Russia’s decision to remove the US dollar assets from its sovereign wealth fund and partially replace them by gold boosts the yellow metal’s importance as a strategic asset.

Russia's New Move on Gold

After yet another central bank starts considering negative interest rates, we’re taking a look at how unlimited debt can impact physical gold investment.

Is Unlimited Debt Good for Gold?

World markets have taken a hit as the Russian invasion of Ukraine spooked investors around the globe. Here’s what you can do right now to protect your investment portfolio and gold savings.

Ukraine-Russia Conflict: What Impact on Your Savings?

You probably noticed certain industries and communities aren’t bouncing back as quickly as others during times of recession or economic crisis. That’s what the K-shaped recovery is all about.

What the K-Shaped Recovery Means for Gold

03/03/22: Markets are on a wild rollercoaster ride, Eurozone inflation at a record high, Russia intensifies its invasion of Ukraine, gold proves itself as a safe haven. And more.

Weekly digest: inflation rising, Russia sanctions, gold gains

You want to start investing but you don't know where to start? Here is a beginner’s guide to investing.

How to Start Investing in 2023? Here's What You Need to Know

The #silversqueeze movement took the investment world by storm and has the potential of shaking up the silver market. Will it be here for the long term?

#silversqueeze

Here’s a rare sneak peek into one of the world’s biggest gold refineries. 

How Do You Make Gold Bars?

10/03/22: Gold and palladium hit a record high, oil records its worst day since November, Biden signs an executive order on crypto. And more. 

Weekly digest: Metals on the Rise, Oil Drops, Crypto Order

In 2021, central banks continued buying gold, with emerging countries stepping up as key net buyers. Do you wonder why? Here’s what you need to know.

Central Bank Gold Buying Explained

With inflation soaring in Europe and the U.S, learn how to navigate higher consumer prices from this great personal finance video from Sorelle Amore.

5 Ways to Protect Your Wealth From Inflation

17/03/22: The Fed has raised interest rates for the 1st time since 2018, one of Brazil’s biggest funds goes for gold, E.U.'s rethinking gas supplies. And more.

Weekly Digest: Fed’s 1st Rate Hike, Gold in Demand

After Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, investors rushed to gold, the world’s oldest safe-haven asset, pushing its price to a new record. Why did this happen? Here’s what you need to know. 

Investor Gold Demand is Booming Right Now: Here's Why 

On August 15, 1971, U.S. President Richard Nixon possibly made the biggest monetary error in history. A video from Libre & Riche will tell you why.

All You Need to Know About the World’s Greatest Monetary Catastrophe

24/07/22: The U.K. hit by the worst cost-of-living crisis in decades, Powell finally admits inflation is “much too high”, European stocks drop. And more.

Weekly Digest: Cost of Living Crisis, Inflation Problem

The U.S. Federal Reserve has announced its first interest rate hike since 2018. What could this mean for the gold price? Here’s what you need to know. 

How Interest Rate Hikes Affect the Gold Price

31/03/22: European inflation soars to new heights, Russia resumes gold purchases, no breakthrough seen in Ukraine war despite renewed peace talks. And more. 

Weekly Digest: EU Inflation Runs Hot, Ukraine Peace Talks

It seems that the ongoing US presidential election has not changed the situation in the gold market so far as the macro backdrop remains quite favorable to the yellow metal.

Trump + Biden = Gold?

Do you want to buy gold bars but are not sure where to start? Here’s what you need to know to build your precious metals portfolio in a smart way.

How Do You Buy Physical Gold Bars? 

The backdrop of global inflation in the U.S. and Europe was already worrying. Now, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is making the situation even worse, including sending gas prices soaring to record levels. Here’s what you need to know.

Here’s How Rising Gas Prices and Inflation Fuel Each Other

07/04/22: More and more people are worried about rising consumer prices, experts think the U.S. recession is inevitable, cryptocurrencies are facing some privacy issues. And more.

Weekly Digest: Inflation Worries, U.S. Recession

It looks like stagflation could be here soon. Here’s what you need to know to understand the economic phenomenon that stifled growth through the 1970s.

What Is Stagflation and Why Should We Worry About It?

14/4/22: U.S. inflation hit 8.5% in March, the highest since 1981, EU ban on Russian gas could spark a sharp recession in Germany, Ukraine peace talks “at a dead end.” And more.

Weekly Digest: U.S. Inflation at 40-Year High, German Recession Risk 

Leading world banks say we should get ready for a new recession shock. What does it mean exactly, and what investments might be the best place to stash your hard-earned money?

Recession Risk is Rising, Economists Say. Here's What It Means for Investors

21/04/2022: The IMF cuts its global economic growth forecast, UN says the war in Ukraine could create a global food crisis “beyond anything seen since World War II,” Macron and Le Pen fight for the presidency. And more.

Weekly Digest: IMF Cuts Growth Forecast, Hunger Threat

If you are a parent, you probably want to find the best way to set your kids up for financial success. Here’s how your gold savings will help you start building their lifelong wealth.

3 Ways Gold Savings Can Benefit Your Children and Family

Easy is always right. Especially when it comes to buying precious metals. If you still don’t know what’s the easiest way to buy gold, you’re in the right place.

The Easiest Way to Buy Gold and Precious Metals

28/4/22: Russia halts gas supplies to Poland and Bulgaria, the Fed is set for more aggressive rate hikes to tame inflation, Musk seals the deal to buy Twitter. And more.

Weekly Digest: Russia’s Gas Cutoff, Musk’s Twitter Deal

If your children are the lucky ones to get a hoard of gold as an inheritance, there are 4 things you should do before passing it on to them.

4 Things to Remember When Buying Gold for Your Children

04/05/22: The Fed is set to fight inflation with the fastest rate hikes in decades, Fitch trims China’s 2022 growth forecast amid Covid-19 lockdowns, two Argentinian banks will allow crypto trading. And more.

Weekly Digest: Fed Rate Hike, Cuts to China’s Growth Forecast 

Here are the 4 handy tips you can immediately put into practice when buying physical gold for the first time.

How Do You Buy Gold? A Beginner’s Guide

Swissmint made history as they issued their first-ever 50-franc Vreneli gold coin on May 11, 2022, making a very special coin even more popular in Switzerland and beyond.

Swissmint Issues a New Limited-Edition Vreneli Coin

12/05/22: U.S. inflation stays at a 40-year high, defying expectations of a bigger drop, crypto and stocks fall, reacting to the U.S. inflation data. And more.

Weekly Digest: U.S. Inflation, Stocks, Crypto Crash

The end of Bretton Woods seems to be an essential reason behind the widening of the productivity-pay gap that reveals gold's influence as a source of stability.

What is the Productivity–Pay Gap?

A quick overview of the performance of gold versus some of the major commodities for the first half of 2020.

🔥 Gold VS Commodities 🔥

You read in the press that persistently high inflation has finally peaked and should be going down soon. But the latest CPI numbers show it might not be entirely true. Here’s why.

Has Inflation Peaked? Here's What You Need to Know to Understand Inflation

19/05/22: U.S. stocks post the biggest daily drop in almost two years, Sri Lanka default hints at troubles ahead for developing nations, E.U. slashes growth forecast. And more.

Weekly Digest: Dow Tumbles, Food Inflation Getting Worse

Since the start of 2022, the stock market has been on a wild ride, while gold was close to hitting a new record high in March. Which has performed better so far? We guess you already know.🙃

Gold Price Vs. Stock Market: 2022 Edition

While the Fed is taking a dovish stance, investors are fearing a real rise in inflation in the near future.

Is the Fed Moving Too Slow to Counter Inflation?

25/05/2022: U.S. stocks slumped again amid economic data, the global food crisis risks causing a “messy” migration in Europe, Bitcoin could fall to $8,000. And more.

Weekly Digest: Stocks Slump, ‘Messy’ Migration Risk in Europe

Have you been thinking of investing in platinum bars and coins? Here’s what you need to know about one of the world’s rarest precious metals.

Investing in Platinum: A Beginner’s Guide

02/06/22: The Eurozone inflation hits a new record high, JPMorgan Chase CEO warns of the economic hurricane, EU leaders agree to ban most Russian crude imports. And more. 

Weekly Digest: Eurozone Inflation, Economic Hurricane

09/06/22: The OECD has lowered its growth forecast for this year, Eurozone inflation is expected to peak, U.K. economy is facing stagnation. And more.

Weekly Digest: OECD Cuts Growth Forecast, EU Inflation to Peak

Central banks are rushing to raise interest rates to tackle rising consumer prices in Europe. There are a few things we can learn from them about fighting inflation.

How to Fight Inflation? The Central Bank Edition 

Thanks to GOLD AVENUE, Tibo InShape was able to enter the famous gold refinery MKS PAMP. Watch the video and follow Tibo in his discovery of gold!

Tibo InShape & GOLD AVENUE: visit of a gold refinery in Switzerland!

16/06/22: Fed announced a historic rate hike, a U.S. recession is looming, bitcoin is plunging, U.K. economy is shrinking, China’s contact with aliens. And more. 

Weekly Digest: Big Fed Hike, Recession Fears, Gold Could Soar

GOLD AVENUE’s CEO Alessandro Soldati was selected by Bilan magazine as one of French-speaking Switzerland's most promising young entrepreneurs.

Bilan Chooses GOLD AVENUE Among Switzerland’s Top Young Startups

If you are considering buying silver bars and coins, there are a few things you need to know first about one of the world’s most valuable and accessible precious metals.

Investing in Silver: A Beginner’s Guide

Country-specific guides to understand gold as an investment in 2021 from the World Gold Council.

The relevance of gold as a strategic asset: 2021

Famous precious metal skeptic buys gold as a hedge against accelerating inflation which he says is “reminiscent of the 1970s”.

Lifelong Gold Skeptic Makes Major U-Turn

23/06/22: The stock market dropped as recession fears grow, UK inflation hits a new 40-year high, Bitcoin could plunge to a low of $13,000. And more.

Weekly Digest: Stock Rally Fizzles, Recession Risk

While stocks and bitcoin went down sharply due to rising inflation and uncertain economic outlook, gold has retained its value, exactly when investors and savers needed it. 

Bitcoin, stocks, gold: What is the best investment today?

29/06/22: Morgan Stanley sees a mild recession coming to the Eurozone this year, G7 countries agree to ban gold imports from Russia, German inflation eases. And more. 

Weekly Digest: Eurozone Recession, Ban on Russian Gold

What does the future hold for gold? Here are the 4 trends that could make the yellow metal shine in the nearest future.

Is the price of gold going up next year? 4 main drivers explained

07/07/2022: Gold drops over 2% in a selloff sparked by a strong dollar, U.K.'s Johnson is expected to step down, higher interest rates are unlikely to solve the inflation problem. And more. 

Weekly Digest: Gold Inches Down, Johnson to Resign 

A gold hunt story that captivated thousands and inspired a decade-long obsession with the famous Forrest Fenn treasure.

The Mysterious Hunt for Forrest Fenn's Gold Treasure

14/07/22: U.S. inflation accelerates to 9.1%, Europe is on high alert over Russia’s gas squeeze, NASA reveals the most detailed pictures of deep space ever taken. And more.

Weekly Digest: U.S. Inflation Soars, Russia’s Gas Squeeze

Gold has been with us since pretty much the dawn of civilization, and yet there have been a number of harmful myths surrounding this precious metal.

5 Myths About Gold Investment

This is the incredible story of one of the biggest gold scandals in history which started in Canada and ended in the depths of the Borneo jungle.

The Biggest Gold Mining Scandal in History

As the Fed raises interest rates and Russia squeezes gas supplies to Europe, it looks like the global economy is slowly but surely drifting into a recession. Will it happen by the end of 2022, and what does it mean for gold? 

Is a Recession Coming in 2022? 

If you are a beginner investor, choosing the right time to buy physical gold and silver may not look like an easy task. But in reality, it’s quite simple. Especially if you know the right investment strategy.

Is It a Good Time to Buy Gold?

Is today’s rising inflation mimicking a time when a sudden jump in inflation took investors by surprise? Top economic historian Niall Ferguson might have the answer.

Where is Inflation Going? An Economic Historian Gives His Answer

30/07/22: The Fed jacks rates again, signaling no surrender in inflation battle, Russia limits gas flows to Europe, IMF says the world could soon be on the verge of a recession. And more.