You Asked For My thoughts On Elon Musk & DOGE...Brace Yourself
Published: Tuesday, 14 January 2025 12:03 | 
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In this video, we explore the surprising suggestion that Musk replace Mike Johnson as Speaker of the House and the jaw-dropping reason behind it.
Gold Strengthens as Markets Weigh Trump Policy Impact
Published: Tuesday, 14 January 2025 09:54 | |
| Gold prices are showing strength, rising 0.3% to $2,668.79 per ounce, driven by a combination of a weakening dollar and strategic responses to the incoming Trump administration's trade policies. The market's positive reaction stems from reports suggesting a gradual approach to implementing new tariffs, which could help manage inflationary pressures. This development has led to declining Treasury yields and a retreat in the dollar from its two-year high, making gold more attractive to international buyers. Market attention is now focused on crucial economic indicators, including PPI and CPI data, with economists projecting annual inflation to reach 2.9%, up from November's 2.7%. Analysts at Heraeus Precious Metals warn that increased inflation from Trump's policies could potentially eliminate the possibility of Fed rate cuts, while UBS predicts significant supply constraints in the platinum market for 2025, projecting a deficit of 500,000 ounces.
US Sanctions Push Oil to Five-Month High Amid Supply Concerns
Published: Tuesday, 14 January 2025 09:52 | |
| Global oil markets are experiencing significant upheaval as prices touch five-month highs near $79 per barrel, driven by the US government's most ambitious sanctions yet against Russia's energy sector. The measures, targeting major exporters, insurance companies, and numerous tankers, are creating ripple effects across global supply chains, with EU nations planning additional restrictions on natural gas and stricter enforcement of oil price caps. The situation is further complicated by warnings from Alberta's Premier about potential 25% tariffs under the incoming Trump administration, particularly significant given that Canada supplies over half of US crude imports. The market disruption is especially acute in Asia, where Chinese refiners have held emergency meetings to address delivery concerns, and Indian officials anticipate up to six months of major disruptions. Morgan Stanley analysts note these sanctions exceeded market expectations, creating significant downside risks to oil supply. This comes at a critical time as OPEC+ considers loosening output restrictions and amid speculation about potential tighter curbs on Iranian flows under the Trump administration.
Currency Markets Brace for US Inflation Data as Dollar Surges
Published: Tuesday, 14 January 2025 09:45 | |
| The dollar's strength continues to dominate currency markets, approaching its highest levels in more than two years as investors reassess Federal Reserve rate cut expectations. Following strong jobs data, markets have significantly scaled back predictions for monetary easing in 2024, now anticipating only 28 basis points of cuts compared to the Fed's December projection of 50 basis points. The euro, while slightly up at $1.0257, has already lost over 6% in 2024 due to monetary policy divergence between the Fed and ECB. The currency market's attention is split between upcoming U.S. inflation data (PPI and CPI) and the potential impact of Trump's economic policies, particularly regarding tariffs. Meanwhile, other major currencies face their own challenges: the British pound continues its decline amid fiscal concerns, the yen weakens ahead of a crucial Bank of Japan meeting, and China's yuan faces persistent depreciation pressure despite central bank support measures. UBS Global Wealth Management predicts the dollar's strength may persist through the first half of 2025 before potentially reversing.
UK Chancellor Pledges to Meet Fiscal Rules Despite Market Turmoil
Published: Tuesday, 14 January 2025 09:44 | |
| UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves faces mounting pressure over Britain's fiscal stability as markets experience their most severe selloff since 2008, pushing government borrowing costs to crisis levels. Addressing Parliament, Reeves insisted the government would meet its fiscal rules "at all times," despite the UK paying record rates to sell 30-year inflation-linked debt and gilt yields reaching their highest levels since the financial crisis. The market turbulence has intensified scrutiny of the Treasury's plans, with reports suggesting potential public spending cuts to address the fiscal gap. The situation has become politically charged, with Conservative opposition criticizing Reeves's decision to visit China during the market turmoil, while the pound has fallen to its lowest level in 14 months. The Chancellor acknowledged the economic challenges but emphasized the need to accelerate growth initiatives, though specific plans for fiscal repair remain unclear.