09/09/2023: U.S. dollar set for longest winning streak in years, Eurozone inflation holds steady at 5.3%, Apple loses $200 billion in two days after reports of iPhone ban in China. And more. 

Weekly Digest: USD Winning Streak, Apple Shares Tumble

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PAMP Suisse 1 kilo gold bar and PAMP Suisse 50 g gold bar

Gold holds steady amidst tight U.S. job market, awaits clues from Federal Reserve. 

Gold maintained its position at around $1,918.68 per ounce on Thursday after briefly dipping, following reports of a tightening U.S. job market. The focus has now shifted to a series of upcoming Federal Reserve speeches, as investors seek insights into potential interest rate hikes.

Gold's resilience persisted despite a stronger U.S. dollar, and a drop in 10-year Treasury yields, which had reached a two-week high in the previous session, provided some reinforcement.

Market analysts are closely monitoring the Federal Reserve's communication, with traders currently indicating a 93% probability of the Fed maintaining its interest rates during the upcoming Sept. 19-20 meeting.

U.S. dollar set for longest winning streak in years. 

This surge is driven by confidence in the robustness of the U.S. economy and expectations that the Federal Reserve will maintain elevated interest rates, making the U.S. a more attractive destination for investors seeking higher returns. 

The Bloomberg Dollar Spot Index, a major gauge of the dollar's performance weighted against the euro and yen, has climbed steadily over three consecutive days, registering nearly a 1% increase. This puts it on course for its eighth consecutive weekly gain, marking the longest streak since data began in January 2005.

Annual inflation in the eurozone held steady at 5.3% in August, a significant distance from the European Central Bank's 2% target, highlighting ongoing economic challenges. 

Germany, the largest economy in Europe, is grappling with economic stagnation, with the central bank predicting a lackluster performance in the current quarter. The country experienced stagnant gross domestic product (GDP) in the second quarter, following declines in the two preceding quarters. 

Several factors, including soaring energy prices, increased borrowing costs, and economic slowdowns in China, a key trade partner, have contributed to Germany's economic struggles.

European stock markets slipped for the seventh consecutive session on Thursday as investors grapple with economic concerns, including U.S. inflationary pressures and euro zone data. This marks the longest losing streak for the Stoxx 600 index since February 2018. 

European stock markets extended their losing streak with the Stoxx 600 index closing down 0.14%, marking its seventh consecutive negative session. Mining stocks led the declines, falling by 2.2%, while utilities stocks managed to climb 1.4%.

A new smartphone on the stand of the exhibition close-up

Apple Inc. is grappling with a significant market tumble, poised to erase almost $200 billion in value over just two days. This plunge comes in the wake of China's plans to expand its ban on iPhones, extending it to government-backed entities and state firms. As the largest component of key U.S. equity indexes, Apple's decline is contributing to a broader market downturn, amplified by mounting concerns surrounding China's economic situation. 

This ripple effect is not limited to Apple alone. It has resonated throughout the markets, causing investors to offload assets across the board, including chips, mega-cap technology stocks, and U.S.-listed Chinese companies.

Edward Moya, Senior Market Analyst at OANDA, observes that

 "one bad Apple spoils a bunch of mega-cap tech stocks," 

emphasizing Apple's heavy reliance on China for its growth story. If Beijing's regulatory crackdown escalates, it could spell trouble for numerous other mega-cap tech companies that similarly depend on the Chinese market.

😮 Traders bet on volatility surge with 'fear gauge' wager.

While the CBOE Volatility Index (VIX), or the 'fear gauge,' has remained relatively calm this year, a daring trader has made an audacious $30,000 wager that it will skyrocket by a staggering 1100% before Valentine's Day next year. This bold move implies a VIX reading of 180, a level never reached since its inception in 1993. 

The VIX has barely breached 100, with its highest point recorded during the 2008 Great Financial Crisis at 89.53—less than half of what this trade is banking on.

Surprisingly, this audacious move isn't the only one of its kind. The same trader, or perhaps others, have amassed more than 20,000 contracts of open interest in VIX December options, all with the same striking price.

Oil prices have climbed above $90 per barrel for the first time this year, causing concern among drivers who fear higher fuel costs. This surge comes as Russia and Saudi Arabia extend their oil supply cuts, creating worries about inflation rates in major economies.

Russia and Saudi Arabia have committed to jointly reducing their oil output by 1.3 million barrels per day, despite a surge in global demand that is approaching record levels. This decision will keep their combined daily production at approximately 9 million barrels.

Although oil market traders had expected these production cuts to continue through September and October, the announcement of an extension until year-end has raised concerns about the recovery of major economies and potential hardships for consumers.

A meme mocking high petrol prices

Signboard of Huawei corporation

Tech detectives uncover China's chip breakthrough. 

TechInsights, a Canadian research firm, recently uncovered a significant finding in the latest Huawei phone: a cutting-edge 7 nanometer Kirin 9000s processor, manufactured by China's Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp (SMIC). This discovery underscores China's increasing success in developing its own advanced semiconductor manufacturing capabilities. It's a clear sign of the ongoing chip war, with the U.S. imposing stricter controls on semiconductor exports to China. We can anticipate more covert innovations and tech investigations as this battle continues to unfold. 

Unveiling the inner workings of a device like Huawei's smartphone requires cutting-edge laboratory equipment. When dissecting a device like Huawei's, TechInsights employs electron microscopy, a technology akin to what scientists use to scrutinize the intricate details of bacteria. However, as technology advances, the task becomes increasingly challenging to delineate and decipher these ultra-fine components. 

As TechInsights' product manager John Boyd puts it,

 "As technology scales, it gets much more difficult to define and resolve these very fine features that are used."

Talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan

Putin-Erdogan talks fail to resurrect Ukraine grain deal.

 President Vladimir Putin has dashed hopes of reviving a UN-backed Ukraine grain deal that once stabilized global food prices. The deal, allowing Ukraine to ship its grain via the Black Sea, was a casualty of tensions in the region. Talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who had brokered the original initiative, yielded no breakthrough. 

After a three-hour meeting in Sochi, Putin insisted on removing obstacles to Russia's own agricultural exports before considering the revival of the Ukraine grain deal. Instead of announcing a new framework, the leaders confirmed a plan to send 1 million tons of Russian grain through Turkey to African nations concerned about food price hikes.

U.S. and EU consider new tariffs on Chinese steel to resolve Trump-era trade dispute. 

Efforts are underway to introduce fresh tariffs targeting excessive steel production from China and other nations while resolving a lingering trade conflict from the Trump era. Talks are ongoing, focusing on tariffs for imports from China, particularly those benefiting from non-market practices. 

The United States and the European Union are actively discussing an agreement to impose tariffs, primarily on Chinese imports that benefit from non-market practices. The goal is to address the Trump-era trade dispute that originated when President Donald Trump imposed tariffs on European metals imports, citing national security concerns.

Since 2018, the US has imposed a 25% tariff on such imports, while the EU has applied similar duties to various steel imports through its safeguard measures. Both sides reached an agreement in 2021 to pause punitive measures, setting an October 31 deadline to find a permanent solution.

Genetic editing

In a groundbreaking feat, Israeli scientists have engineered a model of a human embryo using stem cells, bypassing the need for eggs, sperm, or a womb. This revolutionary achievement offers a glimpse into the initial stages of embryonic development. 

Researchers at Israel's Weizmann Institute of Science have unveiled a human embryo model resembling day 14 of development, showcasing internal structures before the formation of organs. But the scientists stress they are far from creating embryos from scratch.

Team leader Jacob Hanna noted the potential applications of this breakthrough, including drug testing during pregnancy, insights into miscarriages and genetic diseases, and the potential to grow transplant tissues and organs. The method involved manipulating stem cells derived from adult human skin cells, reverting them to an early developmental state.

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