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Gold and Silver prices over seas

On April 1, 2025, 24 carat gold is priced at ₹89,330/10 gm, according to data on the Indian Bullion Association (IBA) at 10.15 am. Further, 22 carat gold is priced at ₹81,886/10 gms. Gold bullion prices have remained steady over the past 24 hours.

Silver meanwhile, is priced at ₹1,01,200/kg (Silver 999 Fine) at 10.15 am on April 1, according to the IBA website. On the MCX index, the price of Silver has increased by ₹834 to ₹1,00,899/kg.

Source – Live Mint

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  • Securing Your Retirement NOW with a Precious Metals IRA

    Did you know that during the 2008 financial crisis, while the S&P 500 dropped by 38.5%, gold prices increased by 5.5%? This stark contrast highlights why more people are turning to precious metals IRAs to diversify their retirement portfolios. There’s never been a more critical time to consider this powerful retirement strategy.

    Let me share something that might surprise you: many people don’t realize that they can hold physical gold, silver, platinum, and palladium in their retirement accounts! Whether you’re worried about inflation, market volatility, or simply want to diversify your retirement savings, a precious metals IRA could be your answer.

    Holding precious metals is what I’m doing to put into an IRA for my future. There are more and more people, of all ages, that are thinking or doing this or are already doing this. It’s never to late and again in these uncertain times so it’s wise to start thinking ahead.

    Let’s dive into everything you need to know about securing your retirement with this unique investment vehicle.

    What Is a Precious Metals IRA?

    A precious metals IRA, also known as a gold IRA, is a specialized individual retirement account that allows you to hold physical precious metals as part of your retirement portfolio. I remember when I first learned about these accounts – I was honestly skeptical! But after seeing how they’ve helped protect peoples wealth during market downturns, I became a true believer.

    • Operates similarly to traditional IRAs but holds physical precious metals
    • Offers the same tax advantages as conventional IRAs
    • Requires a specialized custodian who handles storage and compliance
    • Follows specific IRS regulations regarding metal purity and storage
    • Can be established as traditional or Roth IRA

    Eligible Precious Metals for Your IRA

    Let me tell you about a mistake I realized when I started doing research about gold IRAs. I was looking to purchase some beautiful collectible gold coins for a future IRA, not realizing till later, that it wouldn’t qualify! The IRS has strict requirements about which metals can be included in your precious metals IRA.

    • Gold must be 99.5% pure (except American Gold Eagles)
    • Silver must be 99.9% pure
    • Platinum must be 99.95% pure
    • Palladium must be 99.95% pure

    Approved coins and bullion include:

    • American Eagle coins (gold, silver, platinum)
    • Canadian Maple Leaf coins
    • Austrian Philharmonic coins
    • Australian Kangaroo/Nugget coins
    • Several types of bars and rounds meeting purity requirements

    Setting Up Your Precious Metals IRA

    The setup process is actually simpler than most people think! As I am learning it seems overwhelming but it’s actually quite straightforward when broken down.

    Choose a Custodian

    • Research reputation and track record
    • Compare fees and services
    • Check customer reviews and ratings
    • Verify IRS approval status

    Fund Your Account

    • Roll over existing retirement accounts
    • Make new contributions
    • Transfer from another IRA
    • Consider contribution limits

    Select Your Metals

    • Work with approved dealers
    • Choose eligible products
    • Consider diversification strategy
    • Review premium over spot prices

    Storage Requirements and Options

    Here’s something that will surprise many of us – you can’t keep your IRA-held precious metals in your home safe! The IRS requires specific storage arrangements, and getting this wrong can result in painful tax consequences.

    • Must use IRS-approved depositories
    • Segregated or non-segregated storage options
    • Regular auditing and insurance requirements
    • Geographic location considerations
    • Security and access protocols

    Tax Benefits and Considerations

    One aspect I have grown to like about precious metals IRAs is their tax advantages. Just like traditional IRAs, they offer powerful tax benefits that can help accelerate your wealth building.

    • Tax-deferred growth potential
    • Possible tax deductions for contributions
    • Roth IRA options available
    • Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) rules
    • Early withdrawal penalties and exceptions

    Costs and Fees to Consider

    Let’s talk money – because understanding the full cost structure is crucial for making an informed decision. I encourage everyone to look beyond just the obvious fees. *these may or may not be subject to change*

    • Setup fees ($50-$300)
    • Annual custodian fees ($75-$300)
    • Storage fees (0.5-1% of assets annually)
    • Transaction fees for buying/selling
    • Insurance costs
    • Dealer premiums over spot prices

    Investment Strategies and Portfolio Allocation

    Through research, I’ve learned that successful precious metals IRA investing isn’t just about buying gold – it’s about strategic allocation and understanding your goals.

    • Recommended allocation percentages (typically 5-15% of portfolio)
    • Rebalancing strategies
    • Market timing considerations
    • Long-term vs. short-term planning
    • Risk management techniques

    Conclusion

    Securing your retirement with a precious metals IRA can be a smart move in today’s uncertain economic environment. Whether you’re looking to protect against inflation, diversify your portfolio, or simply add a tangible asset to your retirement savings, a precious metals IRA offers unique advantages worth considering.

    Remember, the key to success is working with reputable custodians, understanding the rules and requirements, and maintaining a balanced approach to your overall retirement strategy.

    Consider speaking with a financial advisor to determine if a precious metals IRA aligns with your retirement goals and risk tolerance. It never hurts to ask questions it will only benefit you.

    Ready to take the next step? Start by researching IRS-approved custodians and comparing their services and fees.

    Your future self might thank you for taking this important step toward securing your retirement!


  • /

    Mako Mining Corp. Low cost, high margin gold producer

    Mako Mining Corp. presents a compelling investment opportunity as a low-cost, high margin gold producer with strong operational momentum, optionality in exploration potential, management excellence and imminent catalysts supported by a clean balance sheet.

    With gold price hovering around $2,900/oz as of March 2025—more than double San Albino’s all-in sustaining cost (AISC) of $1,370/oz—Mako Mining is well positioned to generate sustainable cash flow which the management can put into work to grow the company’s production with a high ROIC or credible M&A (the company management showed their capital allocation excellence multiple times).

    Source – Seeking Alpha

  • / / /

    Gold set for eighth weekly gain

    Spot gold shed 0.4% to $2,927.95 an ounce by 1204 GMT. Bullion has gained around 1.6% this week after rising to a record $2,954.69 on Thursday.

    “The non-stop rally since December remains unchallenged unless prices drop to around $2,850,” said Ole Hansen, head of commodity strategy at Saxo Bank.

    “Gold has been displaying resilience with short-lived retracements, as lingering U.S. trade uncertainties reinforce its appeal as a hedge,” IG market strategist Yeap Jun Rong said.

    Spot silver was flat at $32.92 an ounce, and palladium dipped 0.3% to $974.75. Both metals were headed for weekly gains.

    Platinum shed 0.2% to $976.80 and eyed a weekly decline.

    Source – Reuters

  • /

    President Trump will add copper to trade protection

    U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said nothing would stop President Donald Trump’s expanded 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum until U.S. domestic production is strengthened, and that Trump will add copper to his trade protections.

    “We can’t be in a war and rely on steel and aluminum from some other country. I mean, it’s just not reasonable,” Lutnick said. “So the president wants steel and aluminum in America, and let me be clear, nothing is going to stop that until we’ve got a big, strong domestic steel and aluminum capability. And by the way, he’s going to add copper to that mix too.”

    Source – Reuters

  • South African Rand strong

    South Africa’s rand strengthened on Monday, as gold hit a fresh high and optimism grew over the prospect of an agreement between the two biggest government partners on the budget.

    At 0728 GMT, the rand traded at 18.2375 against the dollar, about 1.1% stronger than its previous close.

    Gold prices touched an all-time high on Monday as investors stressing over a global trade war and economic slowdown from the world’s biggest economy turned towards the safe-haven asset. South Africa is a major producer of the precious metal.

    Source – Reuters

  • / /

    Tariff deadline might extend for China

    Gold futures reversed early losses to reach new all-time highs Tuesday, gaining for a third straight session on weaker U.S. bond yields and persistent trade and monetary policy uncertainty as investors continue to anxiously await President Trump’s August 1 tariff deadline.

    The yield on benchmark U.S. 10-year notes fell near two-week low, making non-yielding bullion more attractive.

    U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said he plans to meet his Chinese counterpart next week, suggesting a possible extension of an August 12 tariff deadline, but European Union diplomats hinted that the E.U. is looking at broader counter-measures against the U.S. as prospects for a trade agreement dwindle.

    “Trade uncertainty is prompting some safe haven demand,” Kitco Metals senior analyst Jim Wyckoff wrote. “The U.S. has got several trade deals in the works and there’s rumors that the E.U. and the U.S. might not be able to come to an agreement or certainly are not anywhere close yet.”

    Source – Seeking Alpha