Posts by Kirill Zagalsky

December 31, 2018 |

Make a Plan

forget price

As the year comes to a close, there is no better time to begin thinking about and planning for next year. Significant changes in the global economy and market dynamics necessitate that investors take an objective look at their portfolios to determine how to try to stay a step ahead. Given the current economic and geopolitical backdrop, there as perhaps never been a more important time to have a significant allocation in hard, physical assets like gold. If you are thinking about making some changes... Continue Reading

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December 21, 2018 |

Fed Hikes Rates by a Quarter-Point

Interest Rate Block

The highly anticipated Fed meeting on monetary policy has concluded with the central bank electing to hike rates by 25 basis points. The quarter-point hike was not unsuspected and investors will likely be far more concerned with the central bank’s commentary about its plans for next year. The Fed voted unanimously to hike rates today, while it lowered rate hike expectations for next year down to two from three. The Fed also lowered its longer-term estimate of the Fed Funds rate to 2.8% from 3%... Continue Reading

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December 17, 2018 |

The Ultimate Safe Haven

Economic Indicators

The markets have seen increasing volatility in recent weeks as rates move higher and as stocks decline. Recent market volatility could, however, be just a drop in the bucket of what could be seen as the New Year gets underway. Investors have numerous issues to contend with and a great deal of uncertainty about what the Fed may or may not do with monetary policy. The potential for an ongoing trade war with China, the ongoing issues in U.S. politics, Brexit and more could all... Continue Reading

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December 13, 2018 |

Now is the time to buy dips

all-time

The gold market was quiet in trading today yet gave up little ground as the metal backs off recent highs. The market is just below key resistance at the October highs in the $1252 area and could be gearing up to punch through that level to the upside. Stocks, on the other hand, continue to see increasing volatility and declines. Recent price action in stocks could simply be a drop in the bucket of further declines that could take place in the weeks and months... Continue Reading

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December 6, 2018 |

It’s Not Too Late

Stocks are continuing their recent plunge today, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average down over 600 points in mid-day trade. Market volatility, as measured by the CBOE’s VIX index, is spiking today to the mid-20s and investors appear to be getting panicky as no bottom has yet been found. The recent selling in equities could, however, be just the tip of the iceberg and a far more significant decline could be seen in the weeks and months ahead. Despite some recent positive commentary on the... Continue Reading

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December 5, 2018 |

Markets Sharply Higher as Trade Tensions Ease

The highly anticipated meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping took place over the weekend at the G20 meetings in Argentina. The two leaders had an opportunity to discuss trade and a range of issues, and reportedly came to an important agreement. The two nations effectively called a cease-fire over further tariffs that were set to be initiated on January 1st, 2019. The agreement was certainly progress considering little headway has been made in recent months. Whether the two countries can... Continue Reading

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November 23, 2018 |

The War on Rates

stock-market-crash-crisis copy

The stock market has had another trying week, as the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped some 900 points in a span of just two days. There are certainly a number of headwinds currently at play, including the ongoing war on trade, a stronger dollar and various geopolitical issues. Without question, however, the primary catalyst for this week’s stock selling appears to be the notion of higher interest rates. The Fed and its plans to normalize monetary policy have been the topic of significant debate in... Continue Reading

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November 15, 2018 |

Stocks or the Dollar

Polar Bear

The last several weeks have seen a resurgence of market volatility, and many investors are wondering if there is more to come. Through a very bumpy October for equities, gold made some solid strides higher as risk aversion increased. Markets have been a bit calmer in recent sessions, and the yellow metal has seen some declines taking it back to the $1200 level. The recent pullback is not due to the possibility of stocks stabilizing, however, but rather is due to a stronger dollar. The... Continue Reading

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November 7, 2018 |

Big Week

The week ahead could potentially see some market volatility as there are numerous key issues that could fuel price action. The ongoing trade talks with China, the Fed meeting and of course the midterm elections could all impact market sentiment. The highly anticipated midterm elections are quickly approaching, and recent reports suggest that the democrats have a significant lead. The election is of significant importance, as a flipping of the House from republicans to democrats could have a huge effect on the Trump administration’s agenda... Continue Reading

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November 1, 2018 |

What Does Dr. Copper Say?

The copper market is often viewed as a barometer of overall economic activity. This makes complete sense, given its widespread industrial use. Copper has not performed well this year, however, and is poised to see its first annual decline since 2015. After rising by some 32 percent last year, prices have already declined by roughly 17 percent year-to-date. Of note, copper actually was higher over the first six months of the year before dropping by a whopping 20 percent in a period of just two... Continue Reading

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