_{FINANCIAL NEWS}

Central Banks Ramp Up Gold Purchases Amid Ongoing Demand

Central banks have significantly increased their gold purchases since 2020, driven by economic stimulus during the pandemic, inflation concerns, falling interest rates, and global uncertainty.

• Record-Breaking Purchases:

  • 1,082 metric tons bought in 2022.

  • 1,037 metric tons in 2023.

  • 2024 is on track to surpass previous records, with Q1 and Q2 purchases hitting multi-year highs.

• Key Motivations:

  • Inflation: Rising money supply reduces fiat currency value, making gold an inflation hedge.

  • Lower Interest Rates: Encourage borrowing and potential inflation, supporting gold prices.

  • Global Uncertainty: Conflicts (e.g., Ukraine-Russia, Israel-Hamas) increase demand for safe-haven assets.

• Should Investors Follow?
  Gold remains a reliable store of value with intrinsic worth and numerous commercial applications. It outperformed the S&P 500 in 2024 and benefits from economic uncertainty and rate cuts. While inflation has eased, gold remains a hedge against rising money supply and volatility. Investors should evaluate their risk tolerance and goals before buying. Read More.

_{BULLION NEWS}

JP Morgan Sets Record for Largest Physical Silver Holdings in History

JPMorgan has quietly accumulated the largest physical silver holdings in modern history, estimated between 100 and 200 million ounces (3,110 to 6,220 metric tonnes) since silver's price peak in May 2011. Analyst Ted Butler explains that JPMorgan took advantage of manipulated lower prices—caused by their own actions in the COMEX paper market—to purchase significant physical silver, largely unnoticed through ETFs like SLV.

JPM’s motives stem from being on the wrong side of the silver market during the price surge in 2011. Realizing the tightness of physical supply, JPM allegedly used high-frequency trading (HFT) to crush prices, enabling them to reverse losses and accumulate silver cheaply.

Key highlights include:

• 45 million oz growth in JPM’s COMEX silver warehouse holdings.

• Significant December/January delivery of 15 million oz.

• Positioning for future gains if manipulation ends and silver prices rise.

Butler concludes that JPMorgan holds unprecedented leverage over the silver market and could benefit massively when they stop adding short positions, signaling an end to manipulation and a potential silver price rally. Read Now.