07/10/2023: The dollar takes a breather, boosting the yen and euro, gold is set for a comeback, breaking an eight-day losing streak, UK's Metro Bank faces financial turmoil with a 29% share plunge. And more.

Weekly Digest: Metro Bank Turmoil, Gold Rebounds

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Chess wrapped in different banknotes on a chess board.

In a surprising twist of events, the mighty dollar has paused for a breath, giving the yen and euro a much-needed respite. The abrupt halt in the dollar's surge came after cooler-than-expected U.S. private payrolls data raised doubts about the Federal Reserve's plans to hike rates this year. 

After soaring to an 11-month high earlier this week, the U.S. dollar index eased by 0.07% to 106.68. This dip followed Wednesday's revelation that U.S. private payrolls had grown less than anticipated in September. While more data is required to confirm the pace of the labor market slowdown, money markets have slashed their odds of a Fed rate hike in November, now seeing an 80% chance of the central bank maintaining steady rates.

Longer-term U.S. Treasury yields have also eased from their 16-year highs. The yen, which typically reacts to U.S. yields, is currently trading at 148.92, up 0.13% against the dollar. It had briefly touched 150.165 on Tuesday, its weakest point since October 2022.

The euro has shown signs of life, increasing by 0.13% to $1.0518 after hitting a year-low of $1.0448. Over the past three months, the euro has weakened by more than 14% against the dollar.

Gold, the age-old haven for investors, is poised for a comeback, ready to end its eight-day losing streak - a record not seen since 2016. The rebound comes as U.S. bond yields and the dollar step back from recent peaks. 

After enduring an uncharacteristic losing streak, gold is showing signs of resurgence. Spot gold marked a 0.3% rise to $1,826.49 per ounce on Thursday, attempting a recovery from its lowest levels since March, a low it hit earlier this week. U.S. gold futures also saw a gain of 0.3%, reaching $1,840.90.

European markets on Thursday staged a rebound as U.S. Treasury yields retreated, prompted by weaker-than-expected job data. The Stoxx 600 index closed with a 0.3% gain, bouncing back from three consecutive negative sessions, and offering investors some respite. 

The performance of various sectors was mixed, with travel stocks notably rising by 1.5%, hinting at increased optimism in the sector. Conversely, oil and gas experienced minor declines.

In a tumultuous start to the day, Alstom, the French train manufacturer, faced a staggering 37% drop in its stock price. The plunge followed a warning from the company regarding its free cash flow, raising concerns among investors.

Britain's Metro Bank found itself in a financial storm as its shares nosedived by over 29% in a tumultuous trading session, prompting trading suspensions. The bank's woes come amidst reports of its attempts to secure £600 million ($727 million) in debt and equity. 

The London Stock Exchange, the platform where Metro Bank is listed, confirmed to CNBC that the brief suspensions were enacted in response to the extreme volatility exhibited by the bank's shares.

Italy's banking sector is poised to take a strategic route to avoid the country's newly imposed tax, with many institutions opting to fortify their capital reserves instead. Analysts and experts predict that the design of the law, recently passed by the Italian Parliament, will enable most banks to meet the opt-out conditions while upholding their commitment to shareholder payouts. 

Following the adoption of a new tax law by the Italian Parliament, it appears that most of Italy's banks are gearing up to sidestep the tax and, instead, choose to reinforce their capital buffers. The law, introduced in response to a deficit budget effort led by Italy's right-wing government under Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, has been structured in a way that allows banks to avoid the levy if they channel funds into bolstering their reserves.

The tax law initially proposed by the Meloni administration in August faced significant backlash as it triggered a sharp decline in bank stocks and drew a warning from the European Central Bank. Subsequently, the law was softened before its passage through parliament.

German property crisis hits developers hard.

Germany's once-thriving real estate market is grappling with a crisis, and it's the developers who are feeling the heat. Despite the spotlight being on landlords in the current property turmoil, it's the companies responsible for building projects who are facing imminent insolvency. Rising construction costs, increased interest rates, and declining property values have created a perfect storm for developers. 

A property market that once thrived on low-interest rates and a surge in investor demand is now facing a severe crisis. While much attention has been directed toward landlords during this challenging period, it's the property developers who are facing the brunt of the turmoil. Recent developments, such as the insolvency filing of Gerch Group, highlight the precarious situation faced by these developers.

Gerch Group, which has approximately €4 billion ($4.2 billion) worth of projects in progress, has filed for insolvency proceedings, casting doubts on the completion of its Quelle building redevelopment project. Munich's Euroboden and Project Immobilien Group are also grappling with preliminary insolvency proceedings, adding to the sector's woes.

A meme mocking house mortgage costs

Businessman pushing a heavy boulder

The U.S. economy is grappling with an unexpected challenge - soaring borrowing costs, driven by surging long-term interest rates, even as inflation recedes. This predicament is vexing consumers and businesses and requires attention from both policymakers and politicians. 

The Federal Reserve has managed inflation and unemployment remarkably well. Yet, despite their efforts, economic confidence has not rebounded as expected. The surge in interest rates, particularly at the long end of the bond market's yield curve, is a significant contributing factor. Mortgage rates, for instance, are increasing even as inflation subsides, a situation that defies conventional economic wisdom.

The rising interest rates, adjusted for inflation, result in higher real interest rates. This means that, in practice, households and businesses are paying a premium above the Treasury rate. For instance, 30-year mortgage rates currently exceed 7.5%, while market expectations of future inflation stand at approximately 2.3%. This significant gap of more than 5 percentage points is unprecedented since the 1990s.

Missiles on a missile launcher

Ukraine is reeling from a devastating Russian missile attack that claimed the lives of at least 49 people and left seven others injured in the eastern Kharkiv region. This horrifying assault stands as one of the deadliest attacks against Ukraine's civilian population in months. 

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy swiftly condemned this act of violence, categorizing it as a

 "completely deliberate act of terrorism."

 Zelenskiy is currently in Spain, where he is engaging with European leaders to rally support and solidarity in the face of Russia's ongoing invasion.

Poland's election stokes tensions with Germany.

As Poland's nationalist government, led by the Law and Justice (PiS) party, vies for an unprecedented third term in office, it has found an unexpected target close to home: Germany. In the run-up to Poland's October 15 election, PiS leaders have accused Germany, their NATO ally and largest trading partner, of meddling in Polish governance, particularly on issues like migration and gas policy. 

This brewing feud is not only straining relations between the two nations but also undermining Western support for Ukraine in its conflict against Russia.

A joint Polish-German tank repair plant project for Ukraine, aimed at providing support in the aftermath of Russia's aggression, has been derailed due to the feud.

PiS leaders have also alleged that Germany is plotting to reinstate Donald Tusk, a former Polish prime minister, who is a prominent opponent of PiS. They have harnessed historical mistrust of Germany, particularly among elderly conservative voters with memories of World War Two.

Mont Blanc

Western Europe's highest peak, Mont Blanc, has lost more than two metres (6.5 ft) in height over the past two years, French researchers found. 

The mountain now measures 4,805.59 meters, compared to 4,807.81 meters in September 2021. Experts suggest that climatologists and glaciologists will analyze the data to investigate the causes of this phenomenon, which is likely linked to climate change.

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

Although economic downturns are a normal part of the economic cycle, you should still be prepared for them when they occur. Here are 5 tips to set you on the path.

How to Prepare for a Recession: 5 Things You Need to Know

13/08/22: U.S. inflation came out lower than expected in July but price pressures remain strong, the Fed says more rate hikes are needed, over 60 countries are struggling to afford food imports. And more.

Weekly Digest: U.S. Inflation Runs Cooler, Pressure on Fed to Ease Hikes

Fort Knox holds more secrets than we will ever know, but the biggest one is: how much gold, if any, is there in America’s most famous bullion bunker?

The Golden Secret of Fort Knox 