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Weekly Money & Metals Brief

Curated news and insights on the economy and precious metals

Weekly Headlines

  • Barclays Sees Gold Rebounding Toward $4,900

    Barclays says gold's recent pullback may be temporary, keeping its 2026 and 2027 price targets near $4,800 and $4,900 an ounce. The bank argues that while Iran-related inflation fears, a stronger dollar, and shifting rate expectations have pressured gold in the short term, the metal's longer-term drivers remain intact

    • Inflation Climbs to 3-Year High

      Inflation rose at its fastest annual pace in three years in May, with consumer prices up 4.2% from a year earlier as higher energy costs put renewed pressure on household budgets. Even after a new U.S.-Iran deal helped send oil prices lower, inflation still remains a major concern.

    • Recession Risks Rise on Main Street

      The latest jobs report may look strong on the surface, but small-business data is telling a different story. A recent survey showed hiring plans at their weakest level since 2020, labor costs at record highs, and uncertainty still elevated.

    • Record Number of Central Banks Plan Gold Purchases

      Central banks are showing record interest in gold. According to a new World Gold Council survey, 45% of reserve managers plan to increase their gold holdings over the next 12 months, the highest share ever recorded.

  • America's Debt Tab Is Coming Due

    The cost of servicing America's national debt has reached a record level, with interest payments now eating up roughly 19% of federal revenue. As higher rates make borrowing more expensive, the article warns that debt interest could become an even larger burden in the years ahead.

  • Gold Edges Higher Ahead of Inflation Data

    Gold moved slightly higher as lower oil prices helped ease inflation concerns tied to Middle East tensions. Markets are now watching this week's Consumer Price Index and Producer Price Index reports for clues on the Fed's next move, after stronger jobs data increased expectations for a possible rate hike this year.

  • Gold Expected to Strengthen in Second Half of 2026

    Gold may remain under pressure in the near term as rate-hike expectations and a stronger dollar weigh on prices. However, analysts still expect gold to advance and move higher in the second half of 2026, with investment demand and longer-term economic uncertainty helping support the outlook.

From Our Blog

Real market insights to protect what you've built

  • 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 …

  • 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 …

  • Are Certificates of Deposit (CDs) Quietly Costing You Money?

    Are Your CDs Keeping Up With Inflation? If your Certificate of Deposit (CD) has recently matured, or is about to, it's a good time to take a closer look at how your savings are performing. CDs have long been viewed as a "safe" place to park cash, but in today's inflationary environment, safety can come …

  • Wall Street Titans Are Turning to Gold

    Across Wall Street, some of the biggest names in investing are urging Americans to increase their exposure to gold. With U.S. debt now surpassing $37 trillion, inflation remaining stubbornly high, and market volatility on the rise, legendary investors and major institutions alike are beginning to treat gold not just as a hedge but as a …

  • Government Shutdown Sends Gold to Record Highs

    Gold surged to nearly $3,900 per ounce this week as markets reacted to the U.S. government shutdown. Historically, gold has thrived during periods of political and economic uncertainty, and this moment is no exception. Shutdown-driven volatility often drives investors toward safe-haven assets, especially when combined with weakening labor data and expectations for lower interest rates. …

  • Gold's Best Year Since 1979: Why Investors Can't Afford to Miss This Rally

    Gold is not just rallying in 2025; it's rewriting the record books. The metal has already delivered its best performance since 1979, surging more than 40% year to date and breaking through all-time highs. Just this week, gold marked its 37th record close of the year, a streak of strength that hasn't been seen in …

  • Fed Cuts & Dollar Decline: The Perfect Storm for Gold's Next Surge

    Fed Rate Cut: A Turning Point for Gold Today, the Federal Reserve announced its first rate cut in nine months, lowering the benchmark interest rate by 0.25%. This marks a pivotal shift in monetary policy. While lower rates are meant to stimulate economic growth, they also carry significant consequences for the U.S. dollar and safe-haven …

  • Gold and Fed Rate Cuts: History, Outlook, and Goldman Sachs' $5,000 Prediction

    The Historical Connection Between Gold and Rate Cuts Gold and interest rates have long moved in opposite directions. When the Federal Reserve cuts rates, the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding gold decreases, making the metal more attractive relative to bonds or savings accounts. At the same time, lower rates often weaken the U.S. dollar, which …

  • Gold Hits All-Time High as Banks Predict Even Higher Prices Ahead

    Gold just made history. On September 2nd, the precious metal surged past $3,500 an ounce for the first time ever, fueled by expectations of Federal Reserve rate cuts and mounting economic risks. This record-breaking milestone underscores what many investors already sense: the flight to safety is intensifying, and gold is at the center of it. …

  • Is the U.S. Already in a Recession? The Warning Signs Are Mounting

    A Nation on Uneven Ground A new report from Moody's Analytics paints a troubling picture of the U.S. economy, suggesting that nearly one-third of American economic activity is already in recession or at high risk of contraction. Another third is stagnating, leaving only a portion of the country's economy still expanding. The unevenness is striking: …

  • The Hidden Risks of Stablecoins: Why Gold Remains the Real Safe Haven

    What Exactly Are Stablecoins? Stablecoins are a type of cryptocurrency designed to avoid the price swings that make coins like Bitcoin so volatile. Unlike Bitcoin or Ethereum, which can fluctuate dramatically within hours, stablecoins are pegged to reserve assets to hold a steady value. Most are pegged to the U.S. dollar, meaning each coin is …

  • The Mining Buzz: What Does Strong Earnings and More Deal-Making Mean for Gold & Silver?

    Gold and silver aren't just shiny metals anymore; they're becoming some of the most talked-about investments in 2025. Demand is climbing, and recent moves in the mining industry are helping set the stage for what could be an even bigger surge. Big mining companies are posting record profits, making smart business deals, and getting a …

  • Top 5 Myths About Gold and Silver IRAs-Debunked

    As economic uncertainty grows and inflation continues to erode purchasing power, more Americans are looking to protect their retirement savings with physical gold and silver. Yet, despite their growing popularity, Precious Metals IRAs remain misunderstood. Let's break down the five most common myths, and uncover the truth behind them. Myth #1: "Gold and Silver IRAs …

  • Precious Metals Outperform Commodity Peers in the First Half of 2025

    A Record-Breaking Start to the Year As we pass the midway point of 2025, one asset class stands tall above the rest: precious metals. According to a recent report from U.S. Global Investors, gold, silver, platinum, and palladium dramatically outperformed nearly every other commodity in the first half of the year. While broader commodity indices …

  • Silver Outpaces Gold in 2025: What's Fueling the Surge?

    As we move through 2025, silver is quietly outperforming expectations, and even surpassing gold in terms of percentage gains. Driven by a mix of strong industrial demand, tightening supply, and renewed investor interest, silver prices have climbed to their highest levels in nearly 14 years, drawing increased attention from both institutional and individual investors. Silver …

  • From 71% to 59% and $37 Trillion in Debt: Why the World Is Quietly Abandoning the Dollar for Gold

    For decades, the U.S. dollar has been the backbone of global finance. But the world is changing, and fast, and two major warning signs are now flashing red. The first is the dollar's declining share in global foreign exchange reserves. The second is America's soaring national debt, which has recently crossed a staggering $37 trillion. …

  • End of an Era? The Dollar's Decline and What It Means for Your Wealth

    Since the end of World War II, the U.S. dollar has been the cornerstone of the global financial system. But like all great empires and currencies before it, the dollar's dominance was never guaranteed to last forever. Today, mounting debt, geopolitical tension, and growing moves away from the dollar suggest that its time at the …

  • What Lear Capital Subscribers Want to Learn: Silver Shines as Top Topic

    At Lear Capital, we're always looking for ways to provide value to our community of investors and keep you informed about the trends shaping the markets, the economy, and the precious metals landscape. To better understand what you want to learn more about, we recently asked our subscribers to weigh in on the topics they …

  • The Fed Hits Pause Again-But the Clock Is Ticking

    On June 18, the Federal Reserve decided, once again, to leave interest rates unchanged at a 23-year high of 4.25% – 4.5%. This marks the fourth straight meeting without a rate change, suggesting the central bank is still uncertain about the path forward. But what's catching headlines isn’t just what the Fed did, but what …

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