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WGC gold EFT inflows at an all-time peak

Bullion-backed exchange traded funds (ETFs) reported returning net inflows last month, meaning half-year flows reached levels not seen for five years, data from the World Gold Council (WGC) showed.

Total holdings rose by 75 tonnes last month, the WGC said, to 3,616 tonnes. This was the highest for 34 months.

Inflows were valued at $7.6 billion, which in turn drove cumulative assets under management (AUMs) to $382.8 billion an all-time peak.

The WGC said that “North America accounted for the bulk of inflows, recording the strongest first half in five years.” It added that “despite slowing momentum in May and June, Asian investors bought a record amount of gold ETFs during the first half, contributing an impressive 28% to net global flows with only 9% of the world’s total AUMs.”

Source – Forbes

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    Goldman forecasts three-, six-, and twelve-month LME copper prices at $9,600, $10,000 and $10,700 per metric ton respectively. The bank flagged a near-term downside risk to prices from a trade policy update due to take effect on April 2.

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    Gold bounces back after month long low

    Markets initially dropped after Fed Chair Jerome Powell hinted at fewer rate cuts next year, but quickly recovered as investors recognized this aligned with recent expectations, said StoneX analyst Rhona O’Connell.

    “Gold sold off, showcasing once more that it is not an inflation hedge per se, but regained some lost ground on a threatened U.S. government shutdown,” said Carsten Menke, analyst at Julius Baer.

    Source – Reuters https://www.reuters.com/markets/commodities/gold-recovers-one-month-low-short-covering-2024-12-19/

    More!

    “Gold is reacting to a sharp rise in the U.S. dollar after a hawkish Fed cut,” said Michael Armbruster, co-founder and managing partner at Altavest. Source – Market Watch https://www.marketwatch.com/livecoverage/stock-market-today-dow-futures-rise-ahead-of-final-rate-decision-and-economic-forecast-of-the-year/card/gold-futures-decline-after-fed-announcement-WFThfHDv2mQxezfnO3an

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  • How to maximize Gold and Silver Investments

    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.

    Physical Bullion:

    • Pros: Tangible asset, direct ownership
    • Cons: Storage costs, potential liquidity challenges

    ETFs:

    • Pros: Easy trading, no physical storage
    • Cons: Management fees, no physical possession

    Mining Stocks:

    • Pros: Potential for significant returns
    • 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.

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    The unstruck planchets are also sufficient for striking Uncirculated Lincolns cents at the Philadelphia and Denver Mints for inclusion in 2025 Uncirculated Mint sets and for Proof sets executed at the San Francisco Mint.

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    Amundi Physical Metals expands gold-backed ETC offerings

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