Express News | The People's Bank of China has increased its gold reserves for the 19th consecutive month.
Gold erased all gains for 2026, silver plunged 8.5% in a single day, and strong U.S. employment data boosted expectations of rate hikes.
Markets have fully priced in a Federal Reserve rate hike by December, with the probability of a hike in October rising to 60%. Analysts note that gold faces dual headwinds from rising real yields and a stronger U.S. dollar; sharp declines in U.S. equities prompted some investors to reduce gold holdings to cover losses in other assets, exacerbating selling pressure. Gold prices fell as much as 3.6% on Friday.
Express News | Spot gold has erased all gains made so far this year.
Shares of Precious Metals-related Companies Are Trading Lower as Gold and Silver Fall in Response to a Stronger U.S. Jobs Report, Which Boosts the Dollar and Reinforces Expectations That the Fed Will Maintain Higher Interest Rates.
Global central banks resume aggressive gold purchases
According to the latest report released Wednesday by the World Gold Council (WGC), central banks—the cornerstone of the bullish case for gold—resumed their purchases in April, following significant selling in March that coincided with a sharp decline in the price of the precious metal.
Fed Beige Book: Middle East conflict intensifies inflationary pressures, consumer confidence weakens, and employment remains stable
The Federal Reserve's Beige Book released on Wednesday showed that economic activity in 10 of the 12 Fed districts expanded at a "slight to modest" pace. Energy costs were the primary source of inflationary pressures, with spillover effects evident in sectors including shipping, packaging, grocery retail, and fertilizers, while consumer sentiment weakened. Most districts continued to experience a pattern of 'low hiring and low layoffs,' with stronger hiring activity observed in manufacturing.
Express News | Fed's Logan: The Federal Reserve may need to raise interest rates this year to combat inflation.
Iranian media reveals a 'four-phase' roadmap for the U.S.-Iran agreement: full ceasefire first, followed by talks on the Strait, sanctions, and nuclear issues
The first phase involves ending the war and halting all military operations across every front; the second phase addresses issues related to the Strait of Hormuz, sanctions, and Iran’s frozen assets; the third phase formally transitions to negotiations on sanctions and nuclear-related matters; and the fourth phase establishes a monitoring mechanism to ensure compliance by all parties.
Express News | Reports indicate that if the memorandum of understanding between Iran and the United States is finalized, it will be implemented in four phases.
Galiano Gold Wins Key Proxy Advisor Backing Ahead of June 11 Shareholder Meeting
Iranian media reported that communications between Iran and the U.S. have been suspended for several days; Trump stated that U.S.-Iran talks are ongoing, while Rubio said no agreement has been made to lift sanctions in exchange for reopening the Strait.
According to Iranian media, Iran’s latest message to the U.S. clarifies its position: any agreement must include Israel ceasing its military operations in Lebanon. Iran is still reviewing the latest draft of the agreement and has not yet responded to the U.S. Senator Rubio stated that negotiations with Iran are ongoing, adding that the “highly technical” talks on Iran’s nuclear issue could take several months. The Iranian military said it is prepared for all possible scenarios and will maintain the highest level of combat readiness. The fourth round of Israeli-Lebanese talks is being held in the U.S. The Israeli Prime Minister declared that the Iranian regime will ultimately collapse and that Israel will never allow Iran to acquire nuclear weapons. Updates ongoing.
Express News | Trump on Iran: Negotiations between both sides have been ongoing continuously.
Express News | European Central Bank: Gold Overtakes U.S. Dollar as Largest Asset in Global Official Reserves
European Central Bank Report: Gold Overtakes U.S. Treasuries as World's Largest Reserve Asset
① According to a European Central Bank report, gold has surpassed U.S. Treasury securities to become the world’s largest reserve asset, accounting for 27% of global central banks’ total reserve assets by the end of 2025. ② Gold’s surpassing of U.S. Treasuries is attributable not only to sustained purchases by central banks but also to its remarkable price surge in recent years. In January this year, the spot gold price briefly approached USD 5,600 per ounce.
These 10 Small-cap U.S. Materials Companies Rank Among the Market's Most Attractively Valued Stocks
Is the 'commodities bull market' still ongoing? UBS Group: Crude oil, gold, copper, and aluminum all have 'fundamental support'!
① Giovanni Staunovo, commodities analyst at UBS Group, stated that U.S.-Iran negotiations are a key driver in the commodities market recently, and commodities can help investors hedge against inflation and energy supply shocks; ② Staunovo expects declining inventories of petroleum products to drive oil prices higher, gold prices to rise over the medium term, and supply shortages of copper and aluminum to support their prices.
Galiano Gold Publishes 2025 Sustainability Report Highlighting ESG Gains at Asanko Mine
Trump: All exchanges of fire between Israel and Hezbollah will cease immediately, and negotiations with Iran are 'moving forward rapidly.'
Trump stated that the United States will continue its blockade of Iranian ports and that negotiations with Iran are 'progressing rapidly.' The Office of the President of Lebanon said Hezbollah has pledged to cease attacks on Israel. U.S. media reported that Lebanese officials indicated Hezbollah is ready for a comprehensive ceasefire with Israel.
Express News | Trump: Has not yet received any message from Iran regarding the suspension of negotiations with the U.S.
Express News | Sources say Israel's expansion of military operations in Lebanon was coordinated with the United States.