02/09/2023: Gold set for a second consecutive weekly gain as focus shifts to U.S. jobs data, China unveils sweeping economic support measures amid Country Garden's critical vote, Ukraine intensifies drone attacks on Russia. And more.

Weekly Digest: Gold Gains, Country Garden Crisis

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A man climbing a tsack of gold bars

 Gold rises for 2nd week as investor focus shifts to U.S. jobs data for rate hike clues.

Gold prices saw an uptick on Friday, poised for a second consecutive weekly gain, bolstered by diminishing prospects of U.S. interest rate hikes this year. 

The precious metal climbed 0.2% to $1,943.11 per ounce, following one-month highs earlier in the week. U.S. gold futures mirrored the trend, rising 0.2% to $1,969.90.

Meanwhile, spot silver recorded a 0.6% gain at $24.58 per ounce, while platinum showed an 0.8% increase at $975.53. Both metals are also set to conclude the week with gains. Palladium also joined the positive trend, rising by 0.6% to $1,222.00.

Dollar's 6-week winning streak faces a hurdle as key U.S. jobs data looms.

The U.S. dollar is poised to end its six-week winning streak against major currencies, with its fate hinging on the upcoming crucial U.S. jobs report. 

A week filled with underwhelming economic data has contributed to doubts about further Fed rate hikes, causing a drop in two-year Treasury yields. The dollar's value against the yen has dipped during this period. Still, it has managed to hold its gains against the euro and pound after central banks expressed more dovish stances. 

Meanwhile, the Chinese yuan has gained strength as China's central bank cut forex reserve requirements for the first time in a year. In the cryptocurrency world, bitcoin faced a setback, losing its weekly gains following an SEC decision delay on spot bitcoin ETF approvals.

Country Garden's $6.7 billion loss sparks fresh fears of China's Evergrande redux. 

Chinese real estate giant Country Garden has reported a staggering $6.7 billion loss for the first half of the year, intensifying concerns of a potential financial catastrophe. With debts exceeding $150 billion and looming bond payment deadlines, Country Garden's precarious financial state mirrors the turmoil that preceded the fall of Evergrande, the world's most indebted property firm. 

As China's property sector continues to grapple with pandemic-related challenges and a slowing economy, Country Garden's woes pose a threat to the nation's financial stability. The outcome of its negotiations with creditors and looming bond payments in September will determine whether it joins Evergrande in the list of major Chinese real estate firms to crash, potentially sending shockwaves through China's economy and financial system.

China unveils sweeping economic support measures amid Country Garden's critical vote. 

China has intensified efforts to bolster its ailing economy, with major banks primed for lending rate reductions and Beijing considering the relaxation of home-purchase restrictions. In a bid to prevent further deterioration in the property sector, authorities have also slashed foreign exchange reserve requirements. 

These actions are seen as a response to the global spotlight on Country Garden's debt crisis, a developer whose struggles have raised alarms. Country Garden recently delayed a crucial creditor vote on a 3.9 billion yuan ($537 million) private bond, with the outcome being closely watched by markets. 

A recent string of property easing measures and investor-friendly actions is expected to help restore market confidence and stabilize the sector. However, the immediate focus remains on the Country Garden vote, which carries significant implications for the developer's future and China's broader economic growth prospects.

De-dollarization in global trade still a distant dream.

While BRICS leaders explore the idea of a common currency, India's Oil and Gas Minister, Hardeep Singh Puri, says existing international payment systems have deep roots, making de-dollarization a prolonged endeavor. 

“I wish the Indian rupee should be the lead currency in the world. But I’m also a realist. I mean, if I ran a $4 trillion economy and 50% of it is in the external sector, then I know that I only have $2 trillion of international transactions, whereas the U.S. and other countries [have more than me],”

Once hailed as the future of digital assets, Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) are now grappling with a severe downturn, leaving investors and creators disheartened. After reaching dizzying heights of popularity in 2022, NFTs have experienced a dramatic decline, with monthly trading volume and sales figures plummeting, blue-chip NFT prices sinking to multi-year lows, and once-thriving platforms closing down. 

The NFT market, once a poster child for crypto innovation, is now grappling with a severe downturn. Monthly trading volume and sales figures have plunged dramatically, and blue-chip NFTs like Bored Ape Yacht Club and CryptoPunks are at multi-year lows. 

The closure of NFT platforms like Recur and Nifty's, along with plummeting sales volumes for existing platforms, reflects the dismal state of the market. A recent change by OpenSea to make secondary sales royalties optional has added to the industry's woes. 

Fears of regulatory intervention further exacerbate the situation, and the overall sentiment is described as the 

 since NFTs gained popularity. Despite the bleak landscape, famous creator artworks and low-value NFTs used in gaming remain resilient, offering glimmers of hope amid the market's downturn.

A meme mocking the differences between Europeans and Americans

Modern Facade Building with Balconies

As Germany grapples with a multifaceted economic challenge, its property and construction sectors are falling critically ill. A decade-long property boom driven by cheap financing has abruptly ended, leaving the nation facing a looming recession and a worsening housing shortage. 

Germany's property and construction industries, once thriving, are now in turmoil as new construction and mortgage demand plummet, and developers face insolvency. This crisis threatens to drag Germany into recession and worsen its housing shortage. 

While the government has introduced measures to stimulate the economy and address housing issues, the situation remains uncertain due to policy debates and bureaucracy. Germany's property market faces a challenging road to recovery, impacting both its economy and housing sector.

Predator Type Drone 3D artwork

A surge in drone attacks on Russian territory is shaking up the dynamics of the Ukraine-Russia conflict, potentially altering the course of the war. As Kyiv increasingly deploys drones to strike western, central, and southern Russia, the conflict appears to be returning to haunt Moscow itself. The intensification of these aerial assaults is causing concerns in Russia and forcing a strategic shuffle in its defense. 

These attacks, while not yet directly impacting the political establishment, have prompted Russia to reallocate its defense assets and may disrupt its military effectiveness against Ukrainian forces. 

“With attacks in Crimea itself, and the land corridor and the Kerch bridge, and Russian shipping in the Black Sea coming under attack the clear message is that while the invasion was partially sold as an effort to improve Russian security, it has made Crimea and Russia less secure for Russian forces,”

 Timothy Ash, emerging markets strategist at BlueBay Asset Management, says.

Despite causing concerns in Russia, particularly the forced repositioning of defense systems, the attacks are unlikely to destabilize President Vladimir Putin's regime unless they target elite neighborhoods. 

China's Xi to skip G-20 summit amid mounting tensions with India.

The upcoming Group of 20 (G-20) summit in New Delhi is set to be marked by significant absences, with Chinese President Xi Jinping reportedly planning to skip the event. This move adds strain to already tense relations between China and India, potentially jeopardizing the issuance of a joint communique by G-20 leaders for the first time in the forum's history. 

Tensions have risen between the two nations, with China blocking proposals related to emerging-market debt and Russia's Ukraine conflict. Additionally, disagreements have emerged between the G-7 nations and the broader G-20 regarding funding for UN-backed goals.

Bright sun

Intriguing insights into the origins of the solar wind have emerged from data collected by the Solar Orbiter spacecraft. This relentless flow of charged particles from the sun, known to trigger geomagnetic storms on Earth and awe-inspiring auroras, has long puzzled scientists. 

Recent observations reveal the existence of 

, relatively small bursts of charged particles emanating from the sun's outer atmosphere, or corona. These jets, lasting just seconds, may serve as a significant source of mass and energy, fueling the solar wind that sweeps across our solar system. 

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.

Weekly Digest: Fed Rate Hike, Russia-EU Energy Standoff Deepens

Did you know that gold came to Earth from outer space and grows on trees? If not, take a look at some interesting facts about the shiny metal. Some of them sound too unbelievable to be true.

13 Interesting Facts About Gold You Probably Didn't Know

06/08/22: Pelosi is full of support for Taiwan during the visit that infuriated China, the Fed is nowhere near done with its inflation fight, thousands of Solana crypto wallets were hacked. And more. 

Weekly Digest: Pelosi’s Taiwan Trip, Massive Crypto Hack