Market Insights

Why London sits at the heart of the global precious metals market

London’s dominance in global precious metals trading rests on an over-the-counter structure built for flexibility, plus centuries of institutional trust anchored by standardized “good delivery” rules that make bullion fungible across the world.

Uncertainty supports gains in gold and US yields

Gold dipped on Tuesday after U.S. Treasury yields rebounded, with markets taking a defensive position ahead of key economic indicators and the Federal Reserve’s policy announcement.

The structure and features of China’s securities market explained

China’s capital markets rank among the largest and most consequential globally. They comprise multiple stock exchanges in the Mainland (Shanghai, Shenzhen and Beijing) alongside the Hong Kong Exchange, and a wide-ranging bond market that includes sovereign, financial, corporate, green and asset-backed issuance.

The changing value of the US dollar: A gradual transition

Despite the endless doom-and-gloom headlines, the U.S. dollar isn’t collapsing—it’s evolving. What many call “debasement” is largely the natural effect of inflation in a growing economy, not the destruction of value. While fiscal deficits, money printing, and inflation are real challenges, global confidence in the dollar remains unshaken. It’s still the backbone of global finance because no viable alternative exists.

Dollar surge shocks short sellers across global markets

The dollar’s rebound to two-month highs is upending one of this year’s most popular trades: betting against the greenback. Despite the U.S. government shutdown and expectations of multiple Fed rate cuts, the dollar has strengthened as global peers weakened, Treasury yields stayed firm, and investors sought safety.

What the inverted yield curve says about the US economy

This article analyses, from a general perspective, the phenomenon of the inverted yield curve in US bond markets. It also examines the relationship between yield-curve inversions and labour-market outcomes. To reach the conclusions described, a historical framework is assessed with the aim of contrasting past episodes with the current economic situation of the United States.

China turns to gold in bid for foreign reserves and global power

China is positioning itself as a custodian for foreign sovereign gold reserves through the Shanghai Gold Exchange (SGE). By encouraging partner nations to buy and store gold inside its borders, Beijing aims to expand its role in global finance, reduce reliance on the U.S. dollar, and strengthen its monetary influence. The strategy comes amid record central bank gold buying, geopolitical tensions, and gold’s surge above $3,700 an ounce.

Fed cut sparks higher mortgage rates and rising long-term yields

The Federal Reserve’s latest rate cut pushed the effective federal funds rate lower, but long-term Treasury yields and mortgage rates moved sharply higher. The steepening yield curve shows bond investors are more focused on inflation risks and heavy supply than on short-term policy guidance.

What inflation-protected bonds offer

Latin America’s role in the new global economic context

As geopolitics escalate and U.S. trade policy becomes increasingly protectionist, Latin America's combination of macroeconomic resilience, strong market performance, and deep commodity resources makes the region both a stabilizing influence and a beneficiary, although with significant policy and diplomatic implications.