Hyperinflation to Hope: Zimbabwe Launches New Gold-Backed ZiG Currency
Published: Tuesday, 09 April 2024 09:59 | 
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Zimbabwe is launching a new currency, the ZiG (Zimbabwe Gold), in an effort to stabilize its economy, backed by $185 million in gold and other reserves. This initiative represents the country's sixth attempt to establish a reliable currency, following the dramatic depreciation of its previous currency, which lost 80% of its value since the beginning of this year alone. After experimenting with gold coins and digital currency versions, the Zimbabwean central bank views the ZiG as an opportunity to create a "solid and stable" national currency, aiming to rectify the longstanding issues of currency devaluation and economic instability.
$10 Million Gold Smuggling Scheme Unveiled by Hong Kong Customs
Published: Tuesday, 09 April 2024 09:55 | |
| Hong Kong authorities made their largest gold smuggling bust, confiscating $10.7 million worth of gold cleverly disguised as machine parts destined for Japan. The 146 kilograms of gold were ingeniously molded into shapes resembling screws and cylinders, painted to look like parts of air compressors in an airplane's cargo. The discovery was made during a routine examination on March 27, leading to the arrest of a 31-year-old man connected to the smuggling operation. While the suspect has been released on bail, the case highlights the lengths smugglers will go to in circumventing customs laws, which could result in up to seven years of imprisonment and a $2 million fine for those convicted.
The $10 Trillion Defense Dilemma: Calls for Doubling NATO Defense Spending
Published: Tuesday, 09 April 2024 09:19 | |
| With escalating geopolitical tensions, including a more assertive Russia, instability in the Middle East, and China's military expansion, global defense spending hit a record $2.2 trillion last year. Despite this, experts argue that European Union nations and their allies need to significantly increase their military budgets to meet 21st-century security demands. While political leaders praise progress towards NATO's defense spending goal of 2% of GDP, security officials suggest that spending levels reminiscent of the Cold War era, possibly as high as 4% of GDP, are necessary to fulfill the alliance's strategic objectives.
Record-Breaking Gold Rally Continues for Eighth Day on Safe-Haven Demand
Published: Tuesday, 09 April 2024 09:13 | |
| The price of gold reached a new peak, marking a record high for the eighth straight session, driven by geopolitical tensions and the support from momentum-following funds, trading up 0.7% to $2,354.37 per ounce. This surge reflects the traders' strategy to buy on dips, buoyed by concerns over the Russia/Ukraine conflict and tensions in the Middle East. Despite shifting focus from lower rate cut expectations to concerns over persistent high inflation, gold continues to attract investors seeking a safe haven amidst the uncertainty.
Gold Hits Another Record, Topping $2,365/oz
Published: Tuesday, 09 April 2024 09:09 | |
| Gold prices soared to a new record, reaching as high as $2,365.35 an ounce, in anticipation of the upcoming US inflation data. This surge, marking an 18% increase since mid-February, reflects investors' expectations that the Federal Reserve might ease interest rates based on the inflation trends. While economists predict a slight cooling off in March’s inflation, which could justify rate cuts, gold's appeal strengthens as lower interest rates make non-yielding assets like gold more attractive. This unexpected rally comes despite diminishing expectations for aggressive rate cuts by the Fed.