“Chinese authorities see a greater role for gold in the future international monetary system, or they wouldn’t continue buying such extraordinary amounts of gold. Via London alone, the PBoC has stockpiled 1,000 tonnes of gold since Russia’s foreign exchange assets were ‘frozen’ by the West in early 2022.” Nieuwenhuijs wrote
Source – Money Metals
The Silver price (XAG/USD) attracts some sellers to around $39.00 during the early European session on Friday. Optimism surrounding the US trade deal allayed trade war concerns and dampened demand for safe-haven assets.
The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on Friday that US President Donald Trump is now pursuing dealmaking with China. Trump might shift from a strategy of pressure to negotiation, with the goal of securing an economic agreement that will increase US access to Chinese markets, particularly in business and technology.
Source – FX Street
Freeport-McMoRan (FCX.N), opens new tab hopes U.S. President Donald Trump declares copper a critical mineral, a move that would unlock tax credits needed to boost American production of the red metal and offset global rivals, CEO Kathleen Quirk said on Monday.
“Having the incentives and clarity around those would be a big plus for the domestic copper industry,” said Quirk, who became CEO of Phoenix-based Freeport last year.
“People are understanding more what copper is used for and its importance in our economy. It’s just a matter of time before it’s classified as a critical mineral.”
“We’re not looking for handouts, but if the government is trying to incentivize domestic production, it’s important to recognize that the U.S. doesn’t have the same grades that we have internationally,” said Quirk.
Source – Reuters
US President Donald Trump went ahead with 50% tariffs on copper imports but exempted refined metals, which are the mainstay of international trading. The move triggered a record plunge for US prices after a period of fat profits for traders who hurried metal to America before the levies kicked in. A large premium for New York futures over London evaporated.
“The blow-out in the CME-LME spread has been touted as one of the most profitable commodity trades in modern history,” Daniel Ghali of TD Securities Inc. wrote in a note. “In a single session, the White House’s proclamation on copper tariffs annihilated the spread and catalyzed CME copper’s largest intraday fall on record.”
Copper futures on Comex in New York fell by 22% as traders recalibrated the value of metal in the US versus the rest of the world.
Source – Bloomberg
A landslide at an informal gold mine in the Democratic Republic of Congo where thousands of people were working has left an unknown number of people trapped underground since Sunday.
Twelve people have been rescued, Mr. Rubabura said, adding that the number of missing would be released only once the search was over.
The Lomera site is an artisanal mine, meaning it is not operated by a mining company with professional equipment but by workers who use basic tools to extract ore, often in dangerous conditions.
On Tuesday, M23 members walked around the site issuing instructions to those who remained, telling them not to film or speak to journalists. There was no sign that a serious search for survivors was underway.
Source – New York Times
Follow up on Stolen Gold Toilet from art exhibit at Blenheim Palace, in Oxfordshire
There is no evidence a man on trial in connection with the theft of a £4.8m golden toilet knew the gold he was dealing with was stolen, a jury has been told.
The prosecution said the 41-year-old’s decision not to give evidence meant he failed to answer a number of questions, including what the gold looked like when it was delivered to his jewellers in Hatton Garden.
“What clear evidence is there that Mr Guccuk did anything wrong or criminal?”
Source – BBC
Gold prices fell on Thursday, reversing earlier gains, as U.S. President Donald Trump hinted at a potential trade deal with Britain, easing trade tensions and reducing the precious metal’s appeal as a safe-haven investment.
Spot gold was down 0.7% to $3,342.22 an ounce, as of 1157 GMT. U.S. gold futures slipped 1.3% to $3,347.90.
“As it becomes confirmed that there is some sort of trade deal in the wings that could help to firm up the dollar a bit and take some of the steam off of gold,” said Nitesh Shah, commodities strategist at WisdomTree.
Spot silver eased 0.2% to $32.40 an ounce, platinum gained 0.6% to $979.91 and palladium fell 0.2% to $970.91.
Source – Reuters
