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Gold ETF AUMs Surged 26% In 2024, Says World Gold Council

Total assets under management (AUMs) in gold-based exchange-traded funds (ETFs) hit record highs of $271 billion in 2024, according to the World Gold Council (WGC).

This represented a 26% year-on-year increase and was driven by a soaring bullion price.

The yellow metal hit new all-time highs on 40 occasions last year, the WGC noted. Over the whole year, gold appreciated 26% in value to around $2,629 per ounce.

Source – Forbes

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    Hindustan Zinc records highest ever mine production

    The company recorded its highest-ever nine months mined and refined metal production at 784 kt and 783 kt respectively. The company clocked best-ever third quarter revenue of US$ 1,020 million, up 18% year-on-year.

    Hindustan Zinc also registered historic best third quarter EBITDA of US$ 537 million, up 28% with an industry leading EBITDA margin of c. 53%, up c. 400 bps year-on-year. The company also recorded its highest profit after tax (PAT) in the past nine quarters* of USD 317 million, up 32% year on year.

    Source – ANTARA News

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    Ivanhoe Mines Targets Increased Copper, Zinc Production This Year

    The Canadian mining company on Wednesday set a 2025 production target of between 520,000 and 580,000 metric tons of copper at its Kamoa-Kakula operation. 

    Ivanhoe expects to produce between 180,000 and 240,000 tons of zinc at its Kipushi zinc-copper-germanium-silver mine.

    Ivanhoe said that during the last day of the year, a record 750 tons of zinc were produced over a 24-hour period, exceeding the operation’s nameplate capacity.

    Source – Market Watch

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    Freeport set to resume copper exports from Indonesia

    Indonesia has restricted raw material exports to pressure companies to refine minerals locally and add value to its exports. Freeport has local refining capacity, but is seeking to keep exporting concentrate due to a fire last October at its Manyar smelterin East Java.

    Should exports resume, it will relieve, although not reverse, a shortage of copper concentrate that has hit the profits of smelters.

    Source – Reuters

  • Gold IRA storage requirements : What you need to know

    You know what shocked me when I first started learning about Gold IRAs? Finding out that keeping your IRA gold in a home safe isn’t just inadvisable – it’s actually illegal! Can you believe that! After learning more about precious metals and IRAs, this is a shock.

    Yes, the IRS does in fact mandate these storage facilities for IRAs (Individual Retirement Accounts) but specifically for precious metals held in these IRAs.

    On the flip side, if you have personal gold investments that are not in retirement accounts, you have much more flexibility in storage options since those assets have already been taxed.

    We can’t just bury our gold under the big oak tree southeast of some park no one knows about only you. Even if you do it’s not wise to do so. Its overall a bit of a risk and we have to be mindful of where we put our hard-earned precious metals.

    IRS Storage Requirements for Gold IRAs

    Let’s start by a short break down of the essential storage requirements that the IRS mandates:

    1. Approved Depository Requirement
    • Must use IRS-approved depositories
    • No personal possession allowed
    • Strict security protocols required
    • Regular audits mandatory
    1. Segregated Storage Options
    • Individual storage (your metals kept separate)
    • Commingled storage (grouped with other investors)
    • Allocated vs. unallocated considerations
    • Different pricing tiers
    1. Location Requirements
    • Must be within U.S. territory
    • Exception: Some international facilities approved
    • State regulations may vary
    • Transportation considerations

    Understanding Different Storage Options

    Here are pros and cons of various storage methods:

    1. Segregated Storage Pros:
    • Your exact coins/bars returned
    • Extra peace of mind
    • Better for rare coins
    • Easier insurance claims

    Cons:

    • Higher fees (usually 20-30% more)
    • May require minimum holdings
    • Limited facility choices
    1. Commingled (mixed) Storage Pros:
    • Lower fees
    • Same quality guaranteed
    • More facility options
    • Faster liquidation

    Cons:

    • Don’t get exact same metals back
    • Less control over specific items
    • May worry some investors

    Major IRS-Approved Depositories

    Here are the most reputable storage facilities:

    1. Brink’s Global Services
    • Longest track record
    • Multiple U.S. locations
    • High insurance coverage
    • Competitive pricing
    1. Delaware Depository
    • Preferred by many custodians
    • Excellence in segregated storage
    • Full insurance coverage
    • Easy dealer access
    1. International Depository Services (IDS)
    • Multiple location options
    • Modern security systems
    • Competitive rates
    • Good customer service

    These are just a few locations but there are plenty more to choose from.

    Storage Costs and Fees

    Let me share some real numbers I’ve seen recently:

    1. Annual Storage Fees
    • Segregated: 0.5-1% of metal value
    • Commingled: 0.3-0.7% of metal value
    • Minimum fees: $100-250 annually
    • Setup fees: $0-100
    1. Insurance Costs
    • Usually included in storage fees
    • Additional coverage available
    • Value-based pricing
    • Carrier quality matters

    Security Measures Required by Law

    The IRS doesn’t mess around when it comes to security requirements:

    1. Physical Security
    • 24/7 armed security
    • Multiple vault doors
    • Motion detectors
    • Vibration sensors
    1. Electronic Security
    • CCTV surveillance
    • Digital access controls
    • Cyber security protocols
    • Remote monitoring
    1. Personnel Security
    • Background checks
    • Limited access rights
    • Dual control procedures
    • Regular training

    Common Storage Mistakes to Avoid

    Try to avoid these mistakes that could trip up investors:

    1. Home Storage Schemes
    • Absolutely prohibited by IRS
    • Can invalidate entire IRA
    • Heavy penalties possible
    • No exceptions allowed
    1. Using Non-Approved Storage
    • Must be IRS-approved facility
    • Bank safety deposit boxes don’t qualify
    • Foreign storage usually prohibited
    • Proper documentation required

    Required Documentation and Reporting

    Here’s what you need to keep track of:

    1. Storage Agreements
    • Facility contracts
    • Insurance certificates
    • Access procedures
    • Fee schedules
    1. Annual Reporting
    • Account statements
    • Storage receipts
    • Transaction records
    • Valuation reports

    Emergency Access Procedures

    Something often overlooked – how to access your metals in an emergency:

    1. During Business Hours
    • Proper ID required
    • Advance notice needed
    • Custodian approval
    • Transport arrangements
    1. After Hours
    • Emergency contacts
    • Special procedures
    • Additional fees likely
    • Limited circumstances

    Custodian Relationships with Storage Facilities

    Understanding this relationship is crucial:

    1. Direct Relationships
    • Preferred facilities
    • Negotiated rates
    • Streamlined processes
    • Better communication
    1. Third-Party Relationships
    • More options available
    • Potentially higher fees
    • Additional paperwork
    • Longer processing times

    Transportation and Transfer Requirements

    Let me share some insider knowledge about moving your metals:

    1. Initial Transport
    • Fully insured shipping
    • Secure carriers only
    • Chain of custody
    • Delivery confirmation
    1. Facility Transfers
    • Custodian approval required
    • Coordinated timing
    • Security protocols
    • Transfer fees

    Conclusion

    Proper storage of your Gold IRA assets isn’t just about security – it’s about maintaining IRS compliance and protecting your retirement savings. Remember these key points:

    • Always use IRS-approved depositories
    • Understand your storage options (segregated vs. commingled)
    • Consider all costs involved
    • Maintain proper documentation
    • Never attempt home storage

    Take time to research different storage facilities and their specific offerings. Compare fees, security measures, and accessibility options. Most importantly, work with reputable custodians who have established relationships with top-tier storage facilities.

    Remember, cutting corners on storage requirements isn’t worth risking your retirement savings or facing IRS penalties. When in doubt, always consult with qualified professionals who can guide you through the requirements specific to your situation.

    Important Disclosure : This guide id for informational and educational purposes only. I am not a financial advisor, tax professional, or legal expert. The information provided is based on research and general knowledge of IRA regulations. Always consult with qualified financial, tax and legal professionals before making any decisions about your retirement accounts.

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    Aya Gold & Silver down

    Shares of Aya Gold & Silver were down Friday after the company reported lower silver production than analysts expected in the fourth quarter.

    The stock retreated 15% to 10.85 Canadian dollars ($7.58).

    Silver production in the fourth quarter totaled 491,310 ounces, compared with 450,046 ounces in the same period a earlier.

    Source – Market Watch

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    Gold hits another record high

    Spot gold was up 2.2% to $3,299.85 an ounce as of 1107 GMT, after hitting a record high of $3,317.90 earlier in the session. U.S. gold futures gained 2.3% to $3,315.80.

    “Trump’s trade war shows no signs of easing… sparking a fresh move towards safe havens and out of stocks,” said Ole Hansen, head of commodity strategy at Saxo Bank.

    Spot silver rose 2% to $32.94 an ounce, platinum was up 0.1% to $960.85, and palladium gained 0.6% to $977.09.

    Source – Reuters