Glencore has suspended production and declared force majeure on copper shipments from its Altonorte smelter in Chile due to an issue affecting the plant’s furnace, Bloomberg reported Wednesday, in a setback that comes just as traders and producers race to ship more metal to the U.S. ahead of tariffs.
Much of the copper produced in Chile is shipped to the U.S., where Comex prices have surged to record highs on worries about shortages due to tariffs; the most active Comex copper contract (HG1:COM) for May delivery hit $5.374/lb, or $11,847/metric ton on Wednesday.
Gold saw record investor inflows over the past four weeks, with investors scrambling for safe havens as the Trump administration’s tariff policies threatened to reorder global trade alliances.
Investors poured another $1 billion into gold in the past week, pushing four-week inflows to a record $9.9 billion, according to BofA Global.
“I do think that we have really good chances now to progress that project. We have made a lot of progress,” Rio (RIO) CEO Jakob Stausholm told FT in an interview.
What are goldbacks? Well I’m happy you stumbled upon my blog to learn more about this amazing and innovative way to pay for goods and services with actual gold.
This isn’t paying with gold coins or bars but actually paying with gold bills. These bills contain gold within them and are measured on the bills itself. Gold foil if you will.
These bills are gold and have the amount of gold listed on the front of each bill from 1/2000th of a troy ounce to 1/10th of .999 fine gold (24k gold). They are beautifully decorated with art work from the Goldback artists and an added combination of anticounterfeiting features within each bill.
There are currently (as of 2025) 6 states with representation on these bills. Those states include Utah, Nevada, New Hampshire, Wyoming, South Dakota, and Florida. Florida is the newest goldback series for this year. The bills start at 1/2, 1, 2, 5, 10, 25, 50, and 100 gold bills.
I do not yet have any of the Florida or South Dakota goldbacks but I’m in the process of purchasing and I really can’t wait to have them.
As of this posting, Oklahoma will be available for preorder Aug. 1st, 2025 at various online sellers. If you’re lucky to find a vendor who is actually selling the goldbacks in person, pick them up! That’s how I learned about these, from a seller at a coin show.
Well that’s a great question! Some could argue that getting these bills is not worth purchasing because you can’t spend these anywhere you want. Or, why are you buying such a small amount of gold when you can get gold bars for a much higher trade in value?
These bills are apart of the sound money movement. Sound money means it recognizes the value in gold and silver not paper fiat. Which is basically saying that paper money does not hold value like gold. For many investors, this is a real concern and is why this movement is a big deal during these economic times.
So why should you buy goldbacks? Goldbacks, like gold, retain their value and give you more purchasing power. While these have a very small amount of gold on each bill the form factor makes it easy to use your gold for everyday purchases.
On their website they say that goldbacks are “The currency for now, Currency for the future.” I for one am very into the idea of this being a great way to use my gold for purchases and my currency. Unfortunately, this cannot be used anywhere……Yet!
Pros and Cons of Goldbacks
As you just read, you cannot use these anywhere. Which is the biggest con but only for now. But they is much more to it than just spending.
The pros:
Hedge against inflation – as gold has been known to be a safe haven against inflation
Spendable – can be spent at small businesses that accept goldbacks
Collectability – certain bills could be collectable
Privacy – allows you to spend at your own leisure and without banks
Substantial – Goldbacks are real they are physical and unlike digital currency this is in hand
The cons :
Liquidity – this product my be hard to find buyers
Volatility – this is tied to the gold prices and will
Storage – if this product will need to be taken care of properly to avoid loss or damage
Higher premiums – you will pay more than the gold value because of the cost of production to make these bills.
I feel that the pros outweigh the cons as the pros are more valuable when it comes to owning these bills. Storage and higher premiums are not that big of a deal to me. I wouldn’t not take care of my investments and I expect to pay a certain price when buying from someone anyway. Just like silver rounds. But that’s a different topic.
Are Goldbacks worth it?
In my opinion, I will not tell you to go and do something unless you feel it’s the right option for you. I believe it is worth it for those that appreciate all forms of gold and ways to spend their investments in person and upfront. This might also be right up your ally to collect these bills as they are absolutely beautiful and stunning to look at and hold in your hand
These goldbacks are still very new. They just started in 2019. I think that this will go a long way but we don’t know how long these will last. There are more and more small businesses that are accepting these as payment and that’s a good sign.
I will continue to purchase these and add to my portfolio and, as I said in previous posts, would actually use these if ever I needed or had the opportunity to do so. Even with some cons to these bills they won’t stop me or many others who are currently investing.
Make sure to do more research if you’re on the fence. Talk to dealers, get some reviews, and look up the website for more info here.
*Disclaimer: I have not received any payment, products, services, or other compensation for discussing this topic. My comments reflect my personal views only.*
Copper, yet to be included in Donald Trump’s widening list of tariff-hit products, continues to rally on the assumption that it is just a matter of time, Saxo Bank said in a note, as it sees a sooner-than-expected tightening of the global market.
Copper futures (HG1:COM) are up 2.8% so far this week, and 6.3% for the month.
The copper market is still awaiting the result of an investigation carried out under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act.
“As such an investigation normally takes months to be completed, it has left the door wide open for a massive profitable arbitrage between international prices and those in the U.S. being reflected through the High Grade futures contract in New York.”
I’ve been fascinated by investment strategies recently, and precious metals have always held a special place in my heart and financial toolkit. Gold and silver aren’t just shiny objects – they’re powerful financial instruments that can transform your investment approach when used strategically.
Imagine having a financial safety net that not only protects your wealth but potentially grows it during economic uncertainties. That’s exactly what a well-crafted gold and silver investment strategy can do. In this guide, I’ll go over some techniques to maximize your precious metal investments.
Understanding the Precious Metals Landscape
Precious metals are more than just alternative investments – they’re economic chameleons that adapt to global financial conditions. Gold and silver have been trusted stores of value for thousands of years, but their modern investment potential is more complex and exciting than ever.
Many people today are looking at more stability for their investments in case something happens in the digital world that will be hard to recover from. Precious metals is what people are looking for.
Historical performance tells a fascinating story. During economic downturns, these metals often shine brightest. For instance, during the 2008 financial crisis, gold prices surged by over 200%, while silver demonstrated remarkable resilience. This isn’t coincidence – it’s a testament to their intrinsic value and economic significance.
Key factors influencing metal prices include:
Global economic stability
Inflation rates
Currency fluctuations
Geopolitical tensions
Industrial demand
Central bank policies
Diversification Strategies for Precious Metal Portfolios
Successful investing is about balance, and precious metals are no exception. Think of your investment portfolio like a well-designed recipe – each ingredient plays a crucial role.
Optimal allocation typically ranges from 5-10% of your total investment portfolio. This sweet spot provides protection without overexposure. Here’s a breakdown of potential allocation strategies:
Conservative investors: 5-7% allocation
Moderate investors: 7-10% allocation
Aggressive investors: 10-15% allocation
Diversification isn’t just about percentages – it’s about mixing investment vehicles:
Physical bullion (coins and bars)
ETFs tracking metal prices
Mining company stocks
Precious metal mutual funds
IRA-backed metal investments
Advanced Buying Strategies
Timing is everything in precious metal investments. It’s like surfing – you need to read the waves and position yourself perfectly.
Dollar-cost averaging emerges as a brilliant strategy. Instead of trying to time the market perfectly, you invest a fixed amount regularly. This approach smooths out market volatility and reduces the risk of making a single, poorly-timed large investment.
Pro tips for smart purchasing:
Research reputable dealers
Verify authenticity of physical metals
Compare pricing across multiple platforms
Consider storage and insurance costs
Stay informed about market trends
Investment Vehicles Comparison
Not all precious metal investments are created equal. Each vehicle offers unique advantages and potential drawbacks.
Cons: Influenced by company performance, not just metal prices
Tax-Efficient Investment Approaches
Taxes can significantly impact your investment returns. Smart investors understand how to minimize tax liability while staying completely compliant.
Key strategies include:
Utilizing tax-advantaged retirement accounts
Holding investments for more than one year to qualify for long-term capital gains rates
Keeping meticulous records of purchases and sales
Consulting with a tax professional specializing in alternative investments
Risk Mitigation and Protection
No investment is without risk, but precious metals offer unique protection mechanisms. Think of them as financial insurance policies.
Critical risk management techniques:
Never invest more than you can afford to lose
Spread investments across different metal types and investment vehicles
Regularly rebalance your portfolio
Stay informed about global economic indicators
Consider professional investment advice
Future-Proofing Your Precious Metal Investments
The future of precious metals looks incredibly promising. Emerging technologies, particularly in green energy and electronics, are driving unprecedented demand for silver and gold.
Technological innovations like advanced solar panels and cutting-edge electronics rely heavily on these metals. This means your investment isn’t just a hedge – it’s potentially positioned for significant growth.
Conclusion
Maximizing gold and silver investments isn’t about getting rich overnight. It’s a strategic, patient approach to building financial resilience.
Your next steps? Start small, stay informed, and continuously educate yourself. The world of precious metal investing is complex but incredibly rewarding.
Ready to take control of your financial future? Begin your research, consult professionals, and remember – knowledge is your most valuable asset! It doesn’t hurt to ask questions in fact it’s a benefit.
“I’m basing this whole forecast on the fact that the Fed is going to be wrong,” Hemke stated, emphasizing his belief that the current economic strength is overstated.
