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Weekly Money & Metals Brief

Curated news and insights on the economy and precious metals

Weekly Headlines

  • China Steps Up Its Gold Buying Yet Again

    China's central bank added 23 tonnes of gold in September, its largest monthly purchase since October 2023, bringing third-quarter buying to 63 tonnes. That continued demand from a major global buyer adds another layer of support to the longer-term outlook for gold.

    • Inflation Climbs Again, Reaching 3.7%

      U.S. inflation climbed to 3.7% in September, up from 3.4% in August, showing that the cost of living is still moving higher. For households, that means each dollar can buy a little less over time, putting added pressure on budgets, savings and retirement income.

    • Mark Zandi Warns the U.S. Is Headed for a Fiscal Reckoning

      The U.S. posted a nearly $2 trillion deficit in fiscal 2026, while net interest costs remained higher than the government spent on national defense. Moody's Analytics Chief Economist warns that rising debt and higher borrowing costs could reinforce one another, adding pressure to an already strained fiscal picture. For Americans concerned about debt, deficits and the long-term purchasing power of the dollar, conditions like these can strengthen the case for diversifying into tangible assets such as gold.

    • Rates Pressure Gold, but Analysts Remain Bullish

      Gold has come off its recent highs, with interest-rate hikes and higher yields as key reasons for the pullback. Analysts cited by Morningstar remain constructive on gold's longer-term outlook, suggesting this could be more of a pause before the next move higher. And today's lower prices could offer a good opportunity to consider adding gold.

  • China Is Buying Gold at a Record Pace

    China's appetite for gold continues to grow. The country imported more than 1,000 tonnes of gold worth roughly $159 billion during the first eight months of 2026?. The buying offers another sign that demand for physical gold remains strong as China looks to diversify its reserves and reduce reliance on the U.S. dollar.

  • Inflation Could Heat Up Again as Higher Gas Prices Hit Consumers

    Higher gasoline prices could push inflation higher again, with economists expecting September's Consumer Price Index to post its biggest monthly increase in five months. Another jump in everyday prices could complicate the Federal Reserve's next move and continue putting pressure on household budgets.

  • International Monetary Fund Issues New Warning About AI Market Risks

    The IMF ?is sounding a new warning about risks building in global financial markets. In its latest assessment, the IMF cautioned that high stock valuations, heavy concentration in major technology companies, and growing debt could leave markets vulnerable to a sharp AI-related correction.

From Our Blog

Real market insights to protect what you've built

  • How China's Gold-Buying Spree Could Help the Yuan Go Global

    China has spent years trying to expand the international role of its currency, the yuan. Now, gold is becoming a bigger part of that effort. A recent CNBC report highlighted how China's growing gold reserves and Hong Kong's push to expand yuan-based gold trading could give businesses and institutions more reasons to hold and use …

    • Oil Is Back Above $100. Your Gas Tank May Not Be the Biggest Problem

      Oil moved back above $100 a barrel this week. For most Americans, that immediately brings one thing to mind: higher prices at the gas station. But this time, the bigger story may be happening well beyond the pump. The global energy system is dealing with a complicated mix of geopolitical conflict, strained refining capacity, expensive …

    • The Silent Savings Killer: Compounding Inflation

      When most people think about losing money, they picture an account balance going down. But inflation can work very differently. You could have $100,000 sitting in an account today, look at the balance years from now and still see $100,000. On paper, you haven’t lost a dollar. In reality, that money may buy considerably less. …

    • Xi's First U.S. State Visit in Over a Decade: China, the Dollar and Gold

      Chinese President Xi Jinping is in Washington this week for a high-profile meeting with President Donald Trump for his first state visit to the White House in more than a decade. Trade, tariffs, artificial intelligence, critical minerals and currencies are all part of the conversation. But there is another important story unfolding in the background. …

  • The 10-Year Treasury Yield Hit 5%: What It Means for Americans

    You may have seen the number five making headlines this week: On September 15, the yield on the 10-year U.S. Treasury climbed as high as 5.04%-its highest level since 2007. Rising oil prices, inflation concerns, and questions about government debt and deficits have all contributed to pressure in the bond market. For most Americans, Treasury …

  • Is Your Retirement Savings Really Keeping Up With Inflation?

    Your retirement savings may be growing in dollar terms. But that does not necessarily mean your purchasing power is growing with it. That question is especially relevant right now. The latest Consumer Price Index showed prices were 3.4% higher in July than a year earlier, and another inflation report is due September 11, just days …

  • The Fed Faces a Tough September Decision

    The Federal Reserve is heading into its September meeting with a difficult problem: the economic signals are not all pointing in the same direction. Inflation remains well above the Fed's 2% target, which argues for keeping monetary policy tight. But recent employment data have shown signs of weakness, making additional rate increases more complicated. Now, …

  • Inflation Is Still High While Growth Slows: Is the Fed Running Out of Good Options?

    For months, Americans have been waiting for clearer signs that inflation is finally under control. The latest numbers suggest we may have to wait a little longer. New data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis shows that the Federal Reserve’s preferred measure of inflation remained stubbornly elevated in July. At the same time, economic …

  • U.S. Debt Just Hit $40 Trillion. The Bond Market Is Showing Why It Matters.

    The U.S. national debt has officially surpassed $40 trillion for the first time. Forty trillion dollars is difficult to comprehend. But the more important question may be what it costs to carry that much debt, and what financial markets are telling us about those costs. Long-term U.S. borrowing rates climbed to their highest levels in …

  • A Strange Move in Japan Just Raised a Bigger Question About the U.S. Dollar

    Something unusual just happened in the global currency markets. Japan has been struggling with a sharply weakening yen, which recently fell to levels not seen against the U.S. dollar in roughly 40 years. In response, Japan stepped into the currency market to try to strengthen the yen.(Reuters) But this time, the United States joined in. …

  • Many Analysts Still Expect Gold and Silver to Rise in 2026. But They’re Focused on the Wrong Question.

    Gold and silver have pulled back from their highs this year, and as always, the headlines have become predictable: Has the rally run its course? Did investors miss their chance? Is now the wrong time to buy? Yet beneath the daily market noise, many of the world’s largest financial institutions remain remarkably optimistic about precious …

  • Celebrate America's 250th with the Lear Capital Exclusive Gold and Silver Lincoln Coins

    As the United States commemorates its 250th anniversary, Lear Capital is proud to introduce a new precious metals tribute to the nation's history: the Gold and Silver Lincoln Coin. Available exclusively from Lear Capital, the Lincoln Coin is struck in .9999 fine gold or .9999 fine silver. Its fractional sizes may make it both convenient …

  • America Is Nearing $40 Trillion in Debt. Who Will Buy It All?

    The United States is approaching $40 trillion in national debt, according to the U.S. Treasury Department's live debt tracker. But the size of the debt is only part of the story. The federal government is expected to spend approximately $1.9 trillion more than it collects during fiscal 2026, according to the Congressional Budget Office. Washington …

  • Gold Gains Traction as Producer Prices Fall-and Iran Reignites Inflation Fears

    The latest inflation data gave markets some welcome relief-but rising oil prices may already be threatening that progress. U.S. producer prices unexpectedly fell in June, adding to signs that inflation had been easing before renewed conflict between the United States and Iran disrupted energy markets. The report reduced expectations for an immediate Federal Reserve rate …

  • Could the AI Bubble Burst? Why Now Might Be The Right Time To Prepare.

    Artificial intelligence has become one of the biggest forces driving the stock market. It has fueled massive gains in technology stocks, pushed valuations higher, and helped turn a very small group of companies into an outsized part of many investors' retirement portfolios. But now, the warning signs are appearing in the headlines more. The question …

  • Central Banks Are Rethinking the Dollar - and Gold Is Moving In

    For decades, the U.S. dollar has been the backbone of the global financial system. Central banks around the world have relied on it as the foundation of their reserve portfolios. But now, more central banks are rethinking how much they want to depend on the dollar - and gold is moving in. A recent survey …

  • Lear Capital Survey Reveals What Matters Most to Customers When Choosing a Precious Metals Company

    When choosing a precious metals company, customers are not just looking for the lowest price. They are looking for trust, transparency, and confidence in the company they choose. In a recent Lear Capital survey, we asked: When evaluating a precious metals company, what matters most to you? The results were clear: company reputation ranked No. …

  • Silver's Latest Industry Updates And Why They Signal More Upside Ahead

    Silver is moving through 2026 with one of the strongest fundamental backdrops the market has seen in years. According to the Silver Institute's World Silver Survey 2026, prepared by Metals Focus, the silver market is projected to face its sixth consecutive annual deficit. The projected shortfall for 2026 is 46.3 million ounces, wider than the …

  • 5 Ways J.P Morgan Says America's Debt Problem Could Unfold - And Why It Matters

    America's debt problem is reaching a point where even Wall Street can't look away. A recent analysis from J.P. Morgan Asset Management's Chief Global Strategist David Kelly laid out five possible ways America's debt situation could unfold over the next decade. His main warning is simple: America may not be facing an overnight collapse, but …

  • BRICS Nations, Central Banks, and the Race for Gold: Why Major Banks See Prices Moving Higher

    Across the globe, central banks, especially in emerging markets and BRICS-aligned nations, have been steadily increasing their gold reserves. Countries such as China, Russia, India, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and others have been accumulating gold as they look for ways to diversify away from the U.S. dollar, reduce exposure to Western financial systems, and strengthen their …

  • What Have the Last 25 Years Taught Us About the Performance of Stocks, Real Estate, and Gold?

    For decades, Americans have been told that the stock market and real estate are the primary engines of long-term wealth. And to be clear, both can play important roles in a diversified portfolio. As Investopedia explains, gold is different from stocks and bonds because it is a tangible asset with global liquidity, and its value …

  • Is Silver Becoming a New Front in the U.S.-China Power Struggle?

    The competition between the United States and China is no longer limited to trade, technology, energy, or military influence. Increasingly, it includes the raw materials that power the modern economy. Silver may be one of the most important examples. Silver is both a precious metal and a key industrial material. It is used in defense …

  • Why More Retirement Savers Are Looking at Gold IRAs as Inflation Concerns Rise

    Inflation is once again at the center of the economic conversation. This week, a CNBC survey reported that 81% of respondents expect higher oil prices to push inflation higher, while economic growth is projected to slow. That combination, rising inflation pressure and slowing growth, is exactly the kind of environment that can make retirement savers …

  • Why More States Are Moving to Make Gold and Silver Legal Tender - and Stocking Up

    Gold and silver are increasingly being treated as more than commodities. Across the country, more states are moving to recognize precious metals as legal tender or legal money in some form. At the same time, some states are mimicking the activity of central banks and beginning to accumulate gold as part of reserve structures and …

  • Introducing Lear Capital's New Exclusive 1.5 oz Silver Eagle Coin

    Lear Capital is proud to introduce a striking new silver release: the 1.5 oz Silver Eagle Coin, a Lear Capital exclusive that reflects our continued commitment to offering customers distinctive, premium precious metals products. Crafted in .999 fine silver, weighing a full 1.50 troy ounces and IRA eligible, this coin stands out from more traditional …

  • Taxed Once, Inflated Twice: The Hidden Cost of Holding Cash

    Tax season has a way of making people pay closer attention to what they keep and what they lose. First, you work for your income. Then a portion of that income goes to taxes. But for many Americans, that is not the only hit. What is left behind can quietly lose buying power over time …

  • Inflation May Be Heading Higher Again. Here's Why Rising Oil Prices Are a Reminder of Gold's Value

    Americans were already feeling stretched. Now, a new inflation warning is making that pressure harder to ignore. According to a recent CNBC report, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development now expects U.S. inflation to reach 4.2% in 2026, far above the Federal Reserve's 2.7% estimate. That is a major gap, and it shows just …

  • Why Major Banks Say Gold's Dip May Be a Buying Opportunity

    Gold's recent drop has rattled Americans who look to precious metals as a source of stability during uncertain times. On the surface, the move has been surprising. Gold fell hard even as geopolitical tensions, oil shocks, and global instability intensified. For many people, that seems backward. Gold is supposed to rise when the world gets …

  • Why U.S. States Are Starting to Stockpile Gold-And What It Signals

    For decades, central banks around the world have steadily accumulated gold as a way to protect against currency risk, inflation, and financial instability. Now, a similar trend is quietly emerging much closer to home. A small but growing number of U.S. states are beginning to treat gold not just as a commodity, but as a …

  • The "K-Shaped Economy": Why Some Are Thriving While Others Struggle-and What It Means for Americans

    Recent economic headlines have painted a confusing picture of the U.S. economy. On one hand, stock markets remain strong, consumer spending continues to rise, and unemployment is relatively low. On the other hand, many Americans say they feel financially squeezed by rising costs for housing, groceries, and everyday necessities. Economists increasingly describe this phenomenon as …

  • Conflict in the Middle East: Why Some Investors Are Turning to Gold and Silver

    Geopolitical conflicts often carry economic consequences that extend far beyond the region where they occur. The developing conflict involving Iran in 2026 is already raising concerns among economists and market analysts about energy prices, inflation, and potential pressure on the global economy. While the situation is still evolving, many analysts are closely watching how disruptions …

  • A VIX Above 20: What It Means - and Why Some Investors Turn to Gold

    The Cboe Volatility Index (VIX) is often called Wall Street's "fear gauge." It represents the market's expectation of stock market volatility over the next 30 days, based on prices of options tied to the S&P 500 index. Higher values mean traders expect bigger price swings; lower values suggest calmer markets. In practical terms: When the …

  • The U.S. Debt Spiral: What It Means for Your Money - and How to Protect It

    You may have seen recent headlines warning that the United States could be entering a "debt spiral." What that actually means is that the federal government is borrowing money faster than the economy is growing. At the same time, the cost of servicing that debt - the interest payments - is rising rapidly. When interest …

  • When Demand Outpaces Infrastructure: Short-Term Constraints, Long-Term Opportunity

    In recent weeks, an unusual surge in investors selling their physical gold and silver back into the market, often referred to in the industry as "buybacks", has temporarily outpaced the physical infrastructure required to process those transactions. This is because the precious metals market operates differently from paper markets, relying on secure shipping, verification, refining, …

  • Project Vault: The U.S. Move to Break China's Grip on Critical Minerals

    Understanding the U.S. push to diversify supply chains-and why metals like silver may see rising demand What Is Project Vault? The U.S. government has launched a major new initiative called Project Vault, a roughly $12 billion strategic stockpile of critical minerals designed to reduce dependence on foreign supply chains, particularly China's dominance in rare earths …

  • The Precious Metals Rally: Why It's Not Too Late to Buy Gold and Silver

    Why the Recent Run Isn't the End - It's a Milestone in a Broader Trend Gold and silver prices have captured the market's attention with remarkable strength. Gold recently surged above $4,800 per ounce, and silver also hit above $90 per ounce. Both are driven by heightened safe-haven demand and structural market forces. These aren't …

  • Two New Reasons Silver Is Gaining Attention Heading Into 2026

    As investors look ahead to 2026, silver is increasingly being shaped by global forces that go beyond traditional supply-and-demand dynamics. Two developments in particular - China's evolving approach to silver exports amid broader currency shifts and market responses to recent events tied to Venezuela - are drawing attention to silver's recent run. These trends also …

  • How China's Quiet Financial Moves Could Shrink the Dollar's Buying Power

    Most Americans don't think about global trade settlement, currency pricing, or international banking systems, and that's understandable. For decades, the U.S. dollar handled that work behind the scenes, helping keep prices relatively stable at home. But that system is starting to change. China is making two major moves at the same time. Separately, they sound …

  • Why Gold and Silver Make Exceptional Holiday Gifts This Year

    The holiday season is here. A time when many of us look for gifts that feel meaningful, lasting, and thoughtful. While toys, electronics, and trendy items come and go, some gifts stand the test of time. That's why some families are turning to gold and silver as holiday presents this year. Whether you're shopping for …

  • Silver's New Status: Why Becoming a U.S. "Critical Mineral" Changes Everything

    Silver just received one of the most important upgrades a commodity can get in the United States. Our government has now officially classified it as a Critical Mineral. This transformation, under the U.S. Department of the Interior, first proposed adding silver to the critical list in August 2025 when the draft version was released for …

  • Dimon, Deficits & De-Dollarization: The Long-Standing Role of Gold in Uncertain Times

    The global economy is sending mixed but unmistakable signals. While headlines often paint a picture of stability, the underlying data tells a more complicated story, one shaped by slowing U.S. growth, widening economic inequality, aggressive foreign gold accumulation, and growing frustration from leaders in finance and business. Put together, these trends point to one conclusion: …

  • America's Longest Shutdown: Why Gold and Silver Could Be the Smartest Move Right Now

    The U.S. federal government has now been closed for more than 36 days, making it the longest shutdown on record. Services are disrupted, federal employees and contractors are affected, and the ripple effects extend to the broader economy. A Major Data Blackout Key agencies like the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Bureau of …

  • Fed Cuts Rates Again, But This Time, They're Flying Blind

    A Second Rate Cut Amid a Data Blackout Investors witnessed another pivotal moment yesterday as the Federal Reserve announced its second rate cut of the year, lowering borrowing costs by a quarter percentage point. The move brings interest rates below 4% for the first time since late 2022, a decision that's already sparking renewed interest …

  • Christmas in October? The Market Just Handed Investors a Big Fat Present: The Opportunity to “Buy the Dip”

    Why Gold and Silver Pulled Back, and Why the Long-Term Outlook Still Looks Bright Gold and silver have weathered countless ups and downs throughout history, and time and again, they've come back stronger. From inflationary spikes to financial crises, these metals have a proven record of rebounding after short-term pullbacks. The October correction is no …

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