Author: Daniel Chang

UBS has increased its gold price forecast for 2025, predicting the metal could surpass $3,200 before stabilizing at higher levels over the long term. This revision marks a more optimistic outlook than the bank’s earlier estimates, influenced by several key market factors. As of 10:30 GMT, spot gold (XAU/USD) was up 0.52% on the day, trading around $2,898.25. Gold has already hit record highs in the first six weeks of 2025, driven by strong investor sentiment and sustained demand from central banks. Analysts point out that many investors remain underexposed to gold, leaving room for further price increases. UBS strategist…

The U.S. dollar took a notable hit this week as optimism over a possible peace deal in Ukraine and signs of a slowdown in tariff escalations outweighed lingering inflation concerns, according to a report from Macquarie. The U.S. Dollar Index Futures slipped 0.3% to 106.79, extending its weekly losses to about 1.4%. “The dollar’s drop this week comes down to two main factors. First, the momentum behind tariff increases appears to be slowing, even though U.S. import tariffs remain a hot topic in the headlines,” Macquarie analysts said. President Donald Trump’s tariff threats are increasingly being seen as negotiation tactics…

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) and Broadcom are exploring deals that could lead to the breakup of Intel, according to a report from The Wall Street Journal. Sources familiar with the matter say Broadcom has been evaluating Intel’s chip design and marketing division, engaging advisers about a potential bid. However, Broadcom is hesitant to move forward without a partner willing to take over Intel’s manufacturing operations. At the same time, TSMC, the world’s largest contract chipmaker, has been looking into acquiring some or all of Intel’s fabrication plants. The report suggests this could happen through an investor consortium or a similar…

Gold prices hit a new record this week, climbing past $2,900 per ounce for the first time. The surge comes as trade tensions escalate, with President Donald Trump suggesting a possible 25% tariff on all steel and aluminum imports into the U.S. Despite gold’s strong performance, some analysts doubt the rally will hold. Joe Maher, an assistant economist at Capital Economics, notes that gold has been a top-performing asset this year, even without the usual tailwinds like a weaker U.S. dollar or falling real yields. Interestingly, the traditional inverse relationship between gold and the 10-year U.S. Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS)…

Morgan Stanley analysts say growing excitement over China’s AI progress is lifting investor sentiment, especially after the launch of the DeepSeek AI model. But they warn that broader economic challenges, like weak inflation and sluggish growth in non-tech sectors, are still a concern. Since mid-January, China’s Shanghai Shenzhen CSI 300 index has risen 2.2%, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index jumped 13.5%, mainly driven by tech stocks. Morgan Stanley expects this gap between tech and traditional industries to continue, as deflationary pressures weigh on non-tech sectors. The rally in Chinese tech stocks picked up after DeepSeek R1’s release. The AI…

Donald Trump has warned BRICS nations they could face tariffs up to 100% if they push forward with plans for a new currency. His comments come as the group—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—explores ways to reduce reliance on the U.S. dollar. The economic bloc has been expanding its influence, with reports suggesting it discussed a shared currency at a summit in Kazan, Russia, last October. However, Kremlin officials say there are no solid plans for one yet. Trump’s warning reflects Washington’s concern over BRICS shifting away from the dollar and gaining economic power. While talks continue, it’s unclear…

As earnings season nears its end, one of the most anticipated reports is still ahead—NVIDIA (NASDAQ: NVDA) will release its quarterly earnings on February 26. Investors and analysts are paying close attention to the company’s outlook, particularly its plans for rolling out its next-generation AI chip architecture, Blackwell. Mizuho (NYSE: MFG) analyst Vijay Rakesh expects NVIDIA’s Blackwell adoption to start slowly in the April quarter before ramping up significantly in late 2025. In a note to clients, Rakesh pointed out that while demand for AI-powered GPUs remains strong, early adoption could face challenges due to the complex power and connectivity…

In financial markets, two major players influence trading and liquidity: proprietary trading (prop trading) and market makers. While both deal with buying and selling assets, they serve different purposes. Firms like Citadel Securities and Virtu Financial operate in these spaces, handling billions in transactions daily. Here’s a breakdown of what sets them apart—how they operate, their risks, compensation, and why one might be a better choice for traders. What is Proprietary Trading (Prop Trading)? Prop trading firms use their own money to trade financial assets for profit. Unlike retail traders who invest personal funds, prop traders use company capital, often with access to advanced tools…

Gold has always been a go-to asset for protecting wealth. In 2025, with inflation concerns and unpredictable markets, it’s still a solid choice for stability and diversification. Gold prices have been hovering above $2,000 per ounce, reinforcing its role as a safe-haven investment. This guide breaks down why gold matters, what affects its price, the best ways to invest, and how to manage risks effectively. Why Gold Still Matters Gold has held value for centuries, shielding investors from inflation and currency swings. Unlike paper money, it can’t be printed or devalued by governments, making it reliable in uncertain times. Plus,…

Building a Clear Strategy for Success A solid trading plan is the foundation of consistent and disciplined trading. It helps traders make informed decisions, manage risk, and track performance. Without a clear plan, emotions take over, leading to impulsive trades and avoidable losses. Setting Clear and Realistic Goals Start by defining what you want to achieve. The SMART framework (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) helps set realistic goals: Having clear benchmarks helps traders stay on track and make necessary adjustments along the way. Choosing the Right Trading Style Your trading style should match your schedule, risk tolerance, and experience. Here’s a breakdown of…