Gold prices in India skyrocketed by Rs 6,250 on Friday to reach a historic high of Rs 96,450 per 10 grams in the national capital, fuelled by robust demand from local jewellers and soaring global prices driven by heightened US-China trade tensions, according to the All India Sarafa Association.
Gold of 99.9% purity also saw a significant jump, closing at Rs 96,450 compared to Wednesday’s Rs 90,200.
Silver too followed suit, leaping Rs 2,300 to settle at Rs 95,500 per kg from its earlier close of Rs 93,200, mirroring the bullish global momentum.
Comex gold futures climbed to a record USD 3,249.16 per ounce, signalling strong safe-haven demand.
“Comex gold prices hit lifetime highs due to surging safe-haven demand, triggered by fears of a deepening global economic slowdown and further retaliation between the US and China,” said Kaynat Chainwala, AVP-Commodity Research at Kotak Securities.
Gold rose after President Donald Trump delivered on threats to hit Canada and Mexico with sweeping tariffs and doubled a charge on China, spurring swift reprisals.
Bullion climbed above $2,915 an ounce as Beijing announced 15% duties on some American farm goods, including cotton. Geopolitics was also in the spotlight after the US paused all military aid to Ukraine.
Spot gold rose 0.8% to $2,914.45 an ounce at 10:45 a.m. in London. The Bloomberg Dollar Spot Index fell 0.2%. Silver and palladium gained, while platinum was little changed.
Oil flows from the United States to China in the early months of this year have reportedly added up to roughly 1% of the country’s imports, amid growing tariffs and trade risks.
“With China imposing 84% tariffs on goods from the US, the cost of US crude would be almost double — $51 a barrel more expensive, based on $61 WTI,” Ivan Mathews, head of APAC analysis for Vortexa told Bloomberg. “This makes running US crude uneconomical for Chinese refiners.”
US crude imports to China will “likely dwindle to zero in the coming months if the current tariff levels stay,” he added.
Industrial silver demand set a record last year, but despite the increase in offtake, overall silver offtake declined by 3 percent to 1.16 billion ounces, primarily due to weak investment demand.
Silver jewelry demand grew by 3 percent to 208.7 million ounces in 2024.
The Silver Institute reported that improving exports to key Western countries also lifted silver jewelry demand.
Growth in demand for silver jewelry will likely contribute to increasing overall demand, putting further pressure on already limited silver supplies.
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!
Barrick Gold will resume operations at its shuttered Loulo-Gounkoto mine in Mali once authorities in the country allow it to resume gold shipments, CEO Mark Bristow said on Wednesday.
“We will start the operations as soon as we get approval to ship the gold and we need to ship the gold to pay anything to the government,” Bristow said, adding that Barrick paid $460 million to the Mali government last year.
“So if you calculate that to per week… and every week we don’t do this it hurts everyone,” he added.
Arizona Sonoran Copper Company has successfully closed a public offering, raising C$51.75m ($37.6m) through the issuance of 25,875,000 common shares.
This includes 3.3 million shares from the full exercise of the over-allotment option by underwriters. Priced at C$2 per share, the offering is a strategic move to secure financial stability for the company’s upcoming projects.
