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The Fed’s hawkish signal sparked gold jitters

The U.S. Federal Reserve jolted markets with an unexpectedly hawkish set of projections for the path of interest rates next year, setting gold prices up for a blow — but analysts told CNBC they still see solid support for the precious metal in 2025.

The Fed’s “dot plot,” a gauge of policymakers’ outlook, now suggests the Fed will cut interest rates twice in 2025, compared with four quarter-point cuts previously expected in September, when concerns about the weakening labor market were front-of-mind. The big concern for the central bank is now whether the policies of incoming President-elect Donald Trump — particularly his threat of sweeping trade tariffs — will prove inflationary.

Source – CNBC

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    Panama approves plan for Copper mine

    Panama has approved First Quantum Minerals’ maintenance plan for its closed copper mine in the country, but not a re-start of the site, a top trade official said on Friday

    Trade and Industry Minister Julio Molto said the plan included environmental safety measures that were necessary following the abrupt shut-down by government order under the prior administration in late 2023.

    “The mine is not being reopened. We’re authorizing the implementation of the care and safe management plan to ensure it is environmentally protected,” Molto told a press conference.

    He said that experts estimate that process could take three to six months, accounting for environmental measures.

    Source – Reuters

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    Gold and Silver to be legal tender in Florida

    Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill on Tuesday that would recognize gold and silver as legal tender in the state, paving a path for Floridians to use the commodities in payment transactions.

    The bill, HB 999, starts the process of allowing government or private entities, such as businesses, to voluntarily accept gold and silver as a form of debt payment. The bill also outlines sales tax exemptions on the purchase of the precious metals if they meet the purity requirements or if the sale of the gold or silver exceeds $500.

    HB 999 is set to go into effect on July 1, 2026, if the Florida Legislature ratifies the rules to implement the bill before then.

    “Florida stands firmly for freedom, economic self-determination, and resistance to government overreach,” the governor said. “But for too long, outdated regulations and unnecessary sales taxes have made it impractical for Floridians to enter the gold and silver market.”

    Source – Business Insider

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    ERO Copper stock rating upgraded at TD Securities

    On Wednesday, TD Securities shifted its stance on ERO Copper Corp (ERO:CN) (OTC: ERRPF), raising the stock rating from Hold to Buy, while adjusting the price target to Cdn$23.00, down from the previous Cdn$26.00. The upgrade reflects a change in sentiment based on the company’s current share price and its future growth prospects.

    The analysts at TD Securities anticipate a significant turnaround in free cash flow (FCF) starting in the second quarter of 2025. They project a 95% year-over-year improvement in copper production for the current year, with expectations for continued growth into 2026.

    Source – Investing.com

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    BHP Group may sell Australian operations

    Mining giant BHP Group flagged rising costs and delays at a giant potash project in Canada and said it may sell its Australian nickel operations, as it reported record annual iron ore and copper production.

    The company said Friday it faces rising costs at the Jansen potash project in Canada’s Saskatchewan province, its only major development currently under construction.

    The company said it is also reviewing Jansen’s second stage, which is roughly 11% complete. BHP may delay first production from that expansion by two years, to fiscal 2031, because it reckons there might be more potash supply coming into the market over the medium term than previously envisaged.

    BHP said it expects to produce between 1.8 million and 2.0 million tons of copper in the year ahead.

    Source – The Wall Street Journal

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    Gold prices rise, fears of trade war

    “Gold is still benefiting from investors looking for safe-haven assets amid concerns of a tariffs and trade war,” UBS analyst Giovanni Staunovo said.

    “We continue to see upside for gold, with the yellow metal expected to rise to $3,000, benefiting also from ongoing central bank demand.”

    Spot silver rose 0.3% to $32.24 an ounce after hitting its highest level since October 31 on Friday.

    Platinum gained 0.1% to $980.43, and palladium climbed 1.9% to $978.25.

    Source – Reuters