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Gold $3,322.04 $34.48 1.05% Silver $33.30 $0.35 1.06% Platinum $1,077.80 $(1.45) -0.13% Palladium $971.84 $13.29 1.39%
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Blog posts of '2025' 'May'

Zaner Daily Precious Metals Commentary
Monday, May 12, 2025

Gold retreats to the $3,200 zone on trade optimism, easing of geopolitical tensions

OUTSIDE MARKET DEVELOPMENTS: Weekend trade talks between the U.S. and China bore fruit with both countries agreeing to reduce tariffs for 90 days as negotiations continue. In a joint statement, the parties  recognized the "importance of a sustainable, long-term, and mutually beneficial economic and trade relationship."

The U.S. will temporarily lower its tariffs on Chinese imports from 145% to 30%, and China will reduce its levies on American goods from 125% to 10%. China also agreed to "adopt all necessary administrative measures to suspend or remove the non-tariff countermeasures taken against the United States since April 2," according to the statement.

The progress made in Switzerland significantly dials back trade tensions, stokes risk appetite, and saps gold's haven bid. U.S. shares are up sharply. Make no mistake though, there's still plenty of uncertainty out there, and markets want to see further progress toward trade deals with China and other key trading partners.

The dollar index surged to a five-week high as trade deal hopes bolstered economic optimism. A week after the Fed announced that it would indeed remain on hold, rate cut hopes have been further diminished.

A fragile ceasefire is holding between India and Pakistan, although each has accused the other of violations. 
"The underlying issues remain, and every six months, one year, two years, three years, something like this happens and then you are back at the brink of war in a nuclear environment," acknowledged Pakistan's National Security Advisor.

President Trump is taking credit for the ceasefire. "We stopped a nuclear conflict, I think it could have been a bad nuclear war, millions of people could have been killed, so I'm very proud of that," he said.

Trump used trade as the carrot. "We're going to do a lot of trade with Pakistan, we're going to do a lot of trade with India," he pledged. Some in India (and probably Pakistan as well) are reportedly not happy with the outcome. The situation remains tense.

President Putin of Russia proposed direct peace talks with Ukraine in Turkey. “Russia is ready to negotiate without any preconditions,” said Putin.

"I have openly expressed my readiness to meet. I will be in Türkiye," responded President Zelenskyy of Ukraine. Zelenskyy also requested that President Trump attend that meeting.

Hamas has released American/Israeli hostage Edan Alexander. "This comes as part of the mediators’ efforts to reach a ceasefire, open the border crossings, and allow the entry of aid and relief for our people in the Gaza Strip," Hamas said in a statement.

Key U.S. inflation and retail sales data for April come out this week. There may be some tariff-related distortions, so it's not clear where the actual prints will fall in relation to median expectations. Any significant misses may be discounted by the trade, particularly in light of the uptick in trade optimism.

Treasury Budget for April comes out this afternoon. The market is expecting $256.0 bln.


GOLD

OVERNIGHT CHANGE THROUGH 6:00 AM CST: -$115.89 (-3.48%)
5-Day Change: -$95.66 (-2.87%)
YTD Range: $2,607.16 - $3,495.89
52-Week Range: $2,287.64 - $3,495.89
Weighted Alpha: +37.54

Gold came under heavy selling pressure at the Asian open on news that the U.S. and China had reached at least an interim trade agreement. A firmer dollar and easing geopolitical tensions applied additional pressure to the yellow metal.



I wouldn't go so far as to say that peace is breaking out everywhere (including in the trade war), but risk-on sentiment has shifted attention away from the safe-haven appeal of gold, back to risk assets. The DJIA is up more than 1,000 points today.

Last week saw net outflows in global gold ETFs for the first time in 15 weeks. The net outflow was just 4.4 tonnes as buying in Asia offset more than a third of North American and European selling.


Net speculative long positions in futures fell 0.8k to 162.5k contracts in the week ended 9-May, versus 163.2k in the previous week, according to the latest COT report. It was the third straight weekly decline and the lowest net long positioning in over a year.

CFTC Gold speculative net positions


The 01-May low at $3,204.91 has successfully contained the downside thus far, keeping the range intact. My favored scenario continues to call for consolidation within the $3,495.89/$3,204.91 range.

In Friday's comment, I suggested there would be opportunities on both sides of the market. While I was not expecting the lower boundary to be challenged the very next session, today's price action is not inconsistent with recent volatility.

Further progress on trade and mitigation of geopolitical risks would leave gold vulnerable to additional tests of the $3,200 zone. Penetration would shift focus to Fibonacci support at $3,165.84. The 50-day moving average is currently at $3,145.86 and should rise to bolster the Fibonacci level by midweek.

The high from earlier U.S. trading at $3,245.22 marks initial resistance. The halfway back point of today's decline comes in at $3,267.46, and there's a minor chart point at $3,280.91. More important resistance is marked by the 20-day MA and today's Asian high at $3,318.86/$3,325.08.

Penetration of the latter is needed to clear the way for a move back into the upper half of the range above $3,350.40. The $3,431.46/63 highs from last week are seen as a formidable barrier ahead of the key $3,500 zone.  


SILVER

OVERNIGHT CHANGE THROUGH 6:00 AM CST: -$0.744 (-2.27%)
5-Day Change: +$0.129 (+0.40%)
YTD Range: $28.565 - $34.543
52-Week Range: $26.524 - $34.853
Weighted Alpha: +5.68

Silver slumped back to the $32 zone, weighed by the sharp drop in gold and a stronger dollar. While still lower on the day, the white metal is more than 50¢ off the intraday low, buoyed by optimism on trade.



As long as the trade sees progress on the trade front, I expect silver to outperform. The gold/silver ratio is testing back below 100 with potential for a challenge of support at 97.574 (23-Apr low).

Net speculative long positions in silver futures fell just 0.6k to 49.3k contracts in the week ended 9-May, versus 49.9k in the previous week, according to the latest COT report. Spec long positioning remains fairly stable despite the recent volatility.

CFTC Silver speculative net positions


Important support marked by the 01-May low at $31.762 was left unmolested. While further tests of the downside can not be ruled out, this support zone has been reinforced.

The recent inability of silver to sustain gains above $33 remains a concern, and the next test above this level may have to come without the help of gold. Once again, I'm watching the convergence of the 20- and 50-day moving averages at $32.719/745 on a close basis.

A close above this level would bode well for a test of the European high at $32.972. Above $33, last week's highs at $33.231/239 will be back in play.

Other significant tiers of resistance are noted at $33.662 (25-Apr high), the high for the year at $34.543, and the 22-year high from October at $34.853. It would take a breach of the latter to truly consider the longer-term uptrend off the $11.703 from March 2020 to be back underway.

Peter A. Grant
Vice President, Senior Metals Strategist
Zaner Metals LLC
312-549-9986 Direct/Text
[email protected]
www.zanermetals.com

Non-Reliance and Risk Disclosure: The opinions expressed here are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as trade recommendations, nor a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any precious metals product. The material presented is based on information that we consider reliable, but we do not represent that it is accurate, complete, and/or up-to-date, and it should not be relied on as such. Opinions expressed are current as of the time of posting and only represent the views of the author and not those of Zaner Metals LLC unless otherwise expressly noted.

Morning Metals Call
Monday, May 12, 2025
Good morning. The precious metals are mostly lower in early U.S. trading.
 
Quote Board
 
U.S. calendar features Treasury Budget, FedSpeak from Kugler.
Zaner Daily Precious Metals Commentary
Friday, May 9, 2025

Gold set to notch a higher weekly close as rising geopolitical tensions offset trade optimism

OUTSIDE MARKET DEVELOPMENTS: Optimism about weekend trade talks between the U.S. and China continues to underpin risk appetite. While a comprehensive deal is unlikely to come out of these initial meetings in Switzerland, it appears that both sides are keen to de-escalate trade tensions. That's a great place to start.

"Chinese officials have grown increasingly alarmed about tariffs' impact on the economy and the risk of isolation as China's trading partners have started negotiating deals with Washington," according to reporting by Reuters.

Rising geopolitical tensions, most notably now between India and Pakistan, are counterbalancing the optimism on trade. India sent missiles into Pakistan earlier in the week in retaliation for what it called a terrorist attack.

Pakistani fighter jets reportedly shot down at least two Indian warplanes on Wednesday. Both India and Pakistan have nuclear weapons, so the stakes are extraordinarily high.

Today's U.S. economic calendar is empty, but there is a whole lot of FedSpeak happening today. From what I've seen thus far, most of the speakers are towing the line on patience.

Fed funds futures reflect fading rate cut expectations. June is presently off the table, and odds for a 25 bps cut in July are slightly better than 50-50. Less than 75 bps in cuts are currently implied for year-end.


GOLD

OVERNIGHT CHANGE THROUGH 6:00 AM CST: +$17.04 (+0.52%)
5-Day Change: +$96.56 (+2.98%)
YTD Range: $2,607.16 - $3,495.89
52-Week Range: $2,287.64 - $3,495.89
Weighted Alpha: +46.39

Gold has rebounded from a four-session low of $3,280.91 and appears on track for a higher weekly close. Heightened geoplitical tensions are offsetting the loss of haven interest associated with optimism on trade.



As noted in previous commentary, gold has not seen consecutive lower weekly closes this year. In fact, there have only been three lower weekly closes in total!

I continue to think we're going to see a period of consolidation within the $3,495.89/$3,204.91 range. While there will be opportunities on both sides of the market, the dominance of the underlying uptrend warrants a bias toward an eventual upside breakout.

A breach of chart/Fibonacci resistance at $3,431.63/33.62 is needed to clear the way for another go at the $3,500 zone. An eventual move to new all-time highs would shift focus to $3,575.04 based on a Fibonacci extension and boost confidence in the longer-term $4,000 objective.

The World Gold Council believes investor flows into ETFs will remain supportive for some time. "Near-term momentum may ebb and flow, but expectations for continued market volatility – driven by concerns such as future trade policy and inflation – should provide a level of support to flows over the medium-to-long term," according to the WGC.


There have been five consecutive net monthly inflows. Asian inflows were particularly strong in April, reaching a record high US$7.3 bln (69.6 tonnes). While U.S. inflows moderated somewhat versus February and March, it was the second strongest April on record.

The WGC also noted that "net cumulative flows through the first four months of the year have already outpaced 2020’s historical performance."

On the downside, I'm watching the 20-day moving average at $3,318.90 on a close basis. It looks to be pretty well protected. Secondary supports are noted at $3,300.00/$3,293.06 and $3,280.91.


SILVER

OVERNIGHT CHANGE THROUGH 6:00 AM CST: -$0.252 (-0.76%)
5-Day Change: +$0.724 (+2.26%)
YTD Range: $28.565 - $34.543
52-Week Range: $26.524 - $34.853
Weighted Alpha: +14.89

Silver is poised for its fourth higher weekly close in five. A close above the 20- and 50-day moving averages at $32.715/730 would provide some additional encouragement to the bull camp.



However, recent heaviness on trades above $33 remains a concern. Positive reports from the weekend trade meetings in Switzerland between the U.S. and China might knock the gold/silver ratio back below 100 and allow silver to attempt to break out to the upside without the help of gold.

Significant tiers of resistance are noted at $33.662 (25-Apr high), the high for the year at $34.543, and the 22-year high from October at $34.853. It would take a breach of the latter to truly consider the longer-term uptrend off the $11.703 from March 2020 to be back underway.

On the downside, today's low at $32.271 now provides an intervening barrier ahead of more substantial support at $32.009/$31.975. The rising 100-day moving average should further bolster the latter next week. The 01-May low $31.762 is another important level to watch.


Peter A. Grant
Vice President, Senior Metals Strategist
Zaner Metals LLC
312-549-9986 Direct/Text
[email protected]
www.zanermetals.com

Non-Reliance and Risk Disclosure: The opinions expressed here are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as trade recommendations, nor a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any precious metals product. The material presented is based on information that we consider reliable, but we do not represent that it is accurate, complete, and/or up-to-date, and it should not be relied on as such. Opinions expressed are current as of the time of posting and only represent the views of the author and not those of Zaner Metals LLC unless otherwise expressly noted.

Morning Metals Call
Friday, May 9, 2025
Good morning. The precious metals are higher in early U.S. trading.
 
Quote Board
 
U.S. calendar features FedSpeak from Williams, Kugler, Goolsbee, Barr, Waller, Musalem, Hammack, & Cook.
Zaner Daily Precious Metals Commentary
Thursday, May 8, 2025

Gold remains defensive on trade optimism

OUTSIDE MARKET DEVELOPMENTS: News of a "full and comprehensive" trade deal with the UK has stoked optimism that other deals may soon drop. The easing of trade tensions is stoking risk appetite. The fact that China and the U.S. will begin 

To be fair, a trade deal with the UK was the easy one. The U.S. typically runs a trade surplus with the UK (+$11.9 bln in 2024). Striking a deal with China will be far more difficult, but that talks are beginning is encouraging.

The EU is seeking public comment on $109 bln in retaliatory tariffs if ongoing negotiations fail to bear fruit. “Since the US imposed its unjustified and harmful tariffs, the EU has prioritized finding a mutually beneficial and balanced solution through negotiations,” the EU said in a statement.

This chart from Bloomberg, which was included in the World Gold Council's latest commentary, shows the unprecedented level of trade policy uncertainty. 

In a widely anticipated move, the Bank of England cut the bank rate by 25 bps to 4.25%. Amid ongoing uncertainty, MPC members had mixed views, with two members voting for a 50 bps cut and two favoring steady policy.

"Uncertainty surrounding global trade policies has intensified since the imposition of tariffs by the United States and the measures taken in response by some of its trading partners. There has subsequently been volatility in financial markets, and market-implied policy rates have moved lower. Prospects for global growth have weakened as a result of this uncertainty and new tariff announcements, although the negative impacts on UK growth and inflation are likely to be smaller." – Bank of England Monetary Policy Report

Meanwhile, Sweden's Riksbank and Norway's Norges Bank left rates unchanged. Both cited global trade uncertainty and expressed dovish leanings.

The Fed remained on pause when policy was announced yesterday. Chairman Powell acknowledged that solid economic fundamentals allow the Fed to continue playing the waiting game.

“The labor market is solid, inflation is low. We can afford to be patient as things unfold. There’s no real cost to our waiting at this point,” Powell said during his presser. President Trump called him a "fool" this morning on TruthSocial.

Q1 Productivity (preliminary) fell 0.8% on expectations of -0.6%, versus a revised +1.7% in Q4 (was +1.5%). ULC surged 5.7%, above expectations of +5.2%, versus a revised +2.0% in Q4 (was +2.2%).

Initial Jobless Claims fell 13k to 228k in the week ended 03-May, below expectations of 233k, versus 241k in the previous week. Continuing jobless claims fell 29k to 1879k in the 26-Apr week, versus a revised 1,908k in the previous week.

Wholesale Sales rose 0.6% in March, below expectations of +0.9%, versus a negative revised +2.0% in February (was +2.4%). Inventories rose 0.4% on expectations of +0.5%, versus a revised +0.5% in February (was +0.3%).


GOLD

OVERNIGHT CHANGE THROUGH 6:00 AM CST: -$22.45 (-0.67%)
5-Day Change: +$115.14 (+3.56%)
YTD Range: $2,607.16 - $3,495.89
52-Week Range: $2,287.64 - $3,495.89
Weighted Alpha: +47.31

Gold is trading lower for a second session after failing to sustain gains above $3,400 earlier in the week. Easing global trade jitters and a modestly firmer dollar are weighing on the yellow metal.



This week's powerful rebound stalled at the 78.6% retracement level yesterday. The subsequent retreat into the range suggests a period of consolidation is likely, but the dominant trend remains decisively bullish.

The World Gold Council cited "a significantly weaker US dollar and overall heightened risk" for driving gold to record highs in April. The WGC expects "US policy and structural risks to continue driving gold investment" moving forward. They acknowledge that "profit taking could bring pause but may also encourage consumers."

 


The WGC also noted strong ETF inflows as a driving force. "In Q1, gold ETFs amassed US$21bn of inflows – the strongest quarter in three years – with an additional US$11bn in April," the organization reported.

Despite the longer-term bullish prospects, today's breach of support at $3,318.27/11.82 (halfway back point of the recent rally, and  20-day MA) suggests scope for additional retracement towards $3,300. The 61.8% retracement level of the rally from $3,204.91 to $3,431.63 comes in a $3,291.52.

A rebound above intraday resistance at $3,365.93 would set a more favorable short-term tone, suggesting potential for renewed probes above $3,400.


SILVER

OVERNIGHT CHANGE THROUGH 6:00 AM CST: -$0.025 (-0.08%)
5-Day Change: -$0.005 (-0.02%)
YTD Range: $28.565 - $34.543
52-Week Range: $26.524 - $34.853
Weighted Alpha: +13.21

Silver is trading within yesterday's range. While trade optimism provides some underpinning, weakness in gold and a firmer dollar weigh.



The 50- and 20-day moving averages have converged at $32.690/698, and today's close in relation to those indicators could be telling. A close above would favor more tests above $33, while a close below would leave the white metal vulnerable to tests below $32.

It seems likely that a move back above $33 would invite further selling interest, leaving the 25-Apr high at $33.662 protected.

On the downside, Monday's low at $32.009 stands in front of the 100-day moving average at $31.793. Below the latter, the $31.195/114 level (200-day MA, halfway back point of the rally from $28.565) would be in play.


Peter A. Grant
Vice President, Senior Metals Strategist
Zaner Metals LLC
312-549-9986 Direct/Text
[email protected]
www.zanermetals.com

Non-Reliance and Risk Disclosure: The opinions expressed here are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as trade recommendations, nor a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any precious metals product. The material presented is based on information that we consider reliable, but we do not represent that it is accurate, complete, and/or up-to-date, and it should not be relied on as such. Opinions expressed are current as of the time of posting and only represent the views of the author and not those of Zaner Metals LLC unless otherwise expressly noted.

Morning Metals Call
Thursday, May 8, 2025
Good morning. The precious metals are mixed in early U.S. trading.
 
Quote Board
 
U.S. calendar features Q1 Productivity & ULC Prelim, Initial Jobless Claims, Wholesale Sales.
Zaner Daily Precious Metals Commentary
Wednesday, May 7, 2025

Gold retreats into the range on trade optimism, awaits FOMC policy statement

OUTSIDE MARKET DEVELOPMENTS: Treasury Secretary Bessent will travel to Switzerland tomorrow to meet with Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter.  "While in Switzerland, Secretary Bessent will also meet with the lead representative on economic matters from the People’s Republic of China (PRC)," according to the Department of the Treasury.

Markets are encouraged that China and the U.S. are set to begin talks, underpinning risk appetite. However, that's being counterbalanced by rising geopolitical tensions.

India fired missiles at what it called "terrorist infrastructure sites" within Pakistan, raising tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. Pakistan claims to have shot down five Indian jets and drones and vowed further retaliation.

The U.S. and Houthi rebels in Yemen have reportedly reached a ceasefire agreement. Some see the deal as a precursor to nuclear talks with Iran.

The Houthis were quick to clarify that the ceasefire did not extend to Israel, and that those attacks would continue. “There is no turning back from supporting Gaza, no matter the cost," said Houthi leader Mahdi al-Mashat. Israel has struck key Yemeni infrastructure this week.

Russia and Ukraine continue to trade attacks, a day before a three-day ceasefire is slated to take effect. When recently asked about Ukrainian strikes on Russian territory, Putin ominously said: “There has been no need to use those (nuclear) weapons ... and I hope they will not be required.” 

The Fed is expected to remain on pause when it announces policy this afternoon. The statement and Chairman Powell's responses to questions will be dissected for clues as to when the next rate cut might occur. However, in light of recent tariff uncertainty, I expect the Fed to keep its cards close to the vest.

MBA Mortgage Applications rebounded 11.0% in the week ended 02-May after falling 4.2% in the previous week. The 30-year mortgage rate eased to 6.84% from 6.89% in the previous week.


GOLD

OVERNIGHT CHANGE THROUGH 6:00 AM CST: -$38.68 (-1.13%)
5-Day Change: +$100.35 (+3.05%)
YTD Range: $2,607.16 - $3,495.89
52-Week Range: $2,287.64 - $3,495.89
Weighted Alpha: +49.53

Gold has retreated from the two-week high set early in the Asian session at $3,431.63 as news that the U.S. and China would hold trade talks this week in Switzerland sapped the haven bid. However, rising geopolitical risks are providing some underpinning.



This week's gains stalled just shy of the 78.6% retracement level of the decline from the record high. Nonetheless, the magnitude of the retracement thus far suggests that the corrective low is in place at $3,204.91.

However, progress toward a trade deal with China, or evidence that deals are being struck with other major trading partners, could put the yellow metal under heavier pressure within the range. This strikes me as a scenario where a symmetrical triangle (a series of lower highs and higher lows) is likely to form.

Such a pattern is considered a continuation pattern within the dominant trend. In the case of gold, the dominant trend remains decisively bullish. Further near-term attacks on the $3,500 level are anticipated, with longer-term potential still seen to $4,000.

Initial support is marked by the Asian low at $3,365.18. The more important zone to watch is $3,326.29/18.27/08.12, where Tuesday's low, the halfway back point of the recent rally, and the 20-day MA are all in close proximity.

 

SILVER

OVERNIGHT CHANGE THROUGH 6:00 AM CST: -$0.252 (-0.76%)
5-Day Change: +$0.229 (+0.70%)
YTD Range: $28.565 - $34.543
52-Week Range: $26.524 - $34.853
Weighted Alpha: +15.32

Silver has once again failed to sustain gains above $33, despite optimism on the trade front and a fresh round of Chinese stimulus. While price action remains confined to yesterday's range, the fact that silver is underperforming gold is troubling.



The 50- and 20-day moving averages are being pressured at $32.677/636. A breach of this level would clear the way for a return to the $32.00 zone, which is highlighted by Monday's low at $32.009.

Silver may have to dip further into the range to gather itself for a more serious test of key highs above $34. A drop below $32 would shift focus to the 100-day MA at $31.777 initially, but potential at that point would be to $31.152/114, where the halfway back point of the rally from $28.565 corresponds with the 200-day MA.

I'm going to remain suspicious of upticks above $33 as long as 25-Apr high at $33.662 is intact. I see the upside as limited until the high for the year at $34.543 and the more important 22-year high from October at $34.853 are negated. I also want to see the gold/silver ratio fall back below 100.


Peter A. Grant
Vice President, Senior Metals Strategist
Zaner Metals LLC
312-549-9986 Direct/Text
[email protected]
www.zanermetals.com

Non-Reliance and Risk Disclosure: The opinions expressed here are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as trade recommendations, nor a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any precious metals product. The material presented is based on information that we consider reliable, but we do not represent that it is accurate, complete, and/or up-to-date, and it should not be relied on as such. Opinions expressed are current as of the time of posting and only represent the views of the author and not those of Zaner Metals LLC unless otherwise expressly noted.

Morning Metals Call
Wednesday, May 7, 2025
Good morning. The precious metals are mixed in early U.S. trading.
 
Quote Board
 
U.S. calendar features MBA Mortgage Applications, EIA Data, FOMC Policy Statement, Consumer Credit.
Zaner Daily Precious Metals Commentary
Tuesday, May 6, 2025

Gold surges back above $3,400 on revived haven interest

OUTSIDE MARKET DEVELOPMENTS: Risk is off amid revived tariff worries and heightened geopolitical tensions. U.S. shares are under pressure, and safe-haven demand has returned to the precious metals.

The Trump administration continues to profess that deals with some key trading partners are close at hand, but markets are growing impatient. Canadian PM Carney will meet with President Trump at the White House today.

President Trump signed an executive order on Monday that incentivizes the manufacture of pharmaceuticals in America. He said he would announce tariffs on imported pharmaceuticals within the next couple of weeks.

The threat of a 100% tariff on movies produced outside the U.S. is the latest surprise. Hollywood is understandably fretting over the implications, but broader market jitters are amplified as it suggests the Trump administration is not done throwing levies at the wall to see what might stick.

The U.S. trade balance reached a record wide deficit of -$140.5 bln in March as importers continued to front-run tariffs. This is likely to weigh on Q1 GDP revisions.

There is still an expectation of positive growth in Q2, but recent port data suggest both imports and exports have contracted significantly. “We haven’t seen anything like this since the disruptions of summer 2020,” said Kyle Henderson, CEO of trade tracker Vizion, in a CNBC article. That's going to boost recession worries.

Yields are under pressure after a strong 10-year auction with good domestic and foreign interest. Weakness in stocks is providing additional support for Treasuries. Softer yields are putting some pressure on the dollar.

Balance of Trade expanded to a record wide -$140.5 bln in March, outside expectations of -$136.7 bln, versus a revised -$123.2 bln in February (was -$122.7 bln).

RCM/TIPP Economic Optimism Index fell 1.2 points to a seven-month low of 46.0 in May, below expectations of 50.2, versus 49.1 in April. It was the third consecutive print below 50, indicating pessimism.


GOLD

OVERNIGHT CHANGE THROUGH 6:00 AM CST: +$50.06 (+1.50%)
5-Day Change: +$58.04 (+1.75%)
YTD Range: $2,607.16 - $3,495.89
52-Week Range: $2,287.64 - $3,495.89
Weighted Alpha: +48.71

Gold reached two-week highs above $3,400, boosted by renewed risk aversion associated with tariff uncertainties and geopolitical risks. The dollar index weakened further within its recent range, providing some additional lift for the yellow metal.



More than 61.8% of the recent correction has now been retraced, and the 78.6% Fibonacci level at $3,433.62 has come within sight. Penetration of this level would lend confidence to the bullish scenario that calls for further attacks on the $3,500 zone.

Pending new record highs, focus would shift to $3,575.04 based on a Fibonacci extension. Such a move would also lend further credence to the longer-term $4,000 objective.

A new Gallup poll has gold supplanting stocks/mutual funds as the second-best long-term investment. Real estate remained at the top of the list for a twelfth straight year.

Of those surveyed, 23% picked gold as the best investment, up from 18% last year. Only 16% said stocks/mutual funds were the best long-term investment, down from 22% in 2024.

At least one major distributor noted stronger customer buying in April. "At FideliTrade, buying during the month increased enough to match the customer selling. This has not happened in over a year," according to their newsletter.

Heraeus reports that investment demand remains robust, citing a 170% year-over-year increase in bar and coin demand in Q1. This is offset to a large degree by a marked drop in jewelry demand associated with record-high prices.

The low from early in today's U.S. session at $3,375.20 marks initial support. Secondary support is at $3,326.29 (today's Asian low).  The rising 20-day moving average is at $3,291.18 today and should climb above $3,300 this week.


SILVER


OVERNIGHT CHANGE THROUGH 6:00 AM CST: +$0.532 (+1.64%)
5-Day Change: +$0.152 (+0.46%)
YTD Range: $28.565 - $34.543
52-Week Range: $26.524 - $34.853
Weighted Alpha: +16.51

Silver is back above $33, buoyed by strength in gold and a weaker dollar. The white metal is defying ongoing trade and global growth worries, but the market has struggled above $33 in recent weeks.



Last week's high at $33.471 protects the high from the previous week at $33.662. Beyond that, formidable barriers are marked by the high for the year at $34.543 (28-Mar) and the 22-year high from October at $34.853.

Failure to sustain gains above $33 would leave silver vulnerable to a retreat below $32. The convergence of the 50- and 20-day MAs at $32.661/551 offers a good intervening barrier ahead of Monday's low at $32.009.


Peter A. Grant
Vice President, Senior Metals Strategist
Zaner Metals LLC
312-549-9986 Direct/Text
[email protected]
www.zanermetals.com

Non-Reliance and Risk Disclosure: The opinions expressed here are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as trade recommendations, nor a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any precious metals product. The material presented is based on information that we consider reliable, but we do not represent that it is accurate, complete, and/or up-to-date, and it should not be relied on as such. Opinions expressed are current as of the time of posting and only represent the views of the author and not those of Zaner Metals LLC unless otherwise expressly noted.

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