Gold prices drop, experts still believe
World gold prices closed the trading session of the week at 2,882.4 USD/ounce, down to 44.5 USD/ounce compared to the beginning of the previous trading session. This is a move that surprised many investors in the context of the precious metal's increase continuously being consolidated in many previous sessions.
According to Kitco, gold prices are struggling as US retail sales fell sharply in January. Weak consumer data shows increased risks for the US economy.
US retail sales fell sharply last month, down 0.9% after rising 0.7% in December (adjusted figures), according to the US Department of Commerce's announcement on Friday.
Julia Khandoshko - CEO at Mind Money - said she is not too interested in short-term fluctuations in gold, but focuses on a solid outlook until 2025.
She stressed that even if inflationary pressures remain high, central banks, headed by the US Federal Reserve (FED), will be forced to cut interest rates as the global economy weakens. At the same time, gold will continue to play the role of an important safe haven asset.
The level of instability in the global economy is increasing. The problem is not Donald Trump's specific statements, but their frequency of appearance. The more he speaks, the more chaos the market is. Organizations are looking for a reliable asset and gold is still their main protective gear, she said. See more...
National rice prices fluctuate little
Rice prices on February 15, 2025 in the Mekong Delta region fluctuated little. Types of rice generally remain stable, while rice often decreases sharply, while fresh rice prices remain stable.
According to an update from the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development of An Giang province, the current price of IR 50404 rice fluctuates at 5,200 - 5,400 VND/kg; Dai Thom 8 rice fluctuates at 6,500 - 6,700 VND/kg...
For rice products, the price of OM 380 raw rice ranges from 7,400 - 7,600 VND/kg; OM 380 finished rice ranges from 8,800 - 9,000 VND/kg; IR 504 raw rice ranges from 7,700 - 7,800 VND/kg. See more...
"This is not the right time to tax real estate"
Yen struggles, forecast to increase sharply
Last week, the Japanese Yen (JPY) fluctuated strongly due to pressure from US President Donald Trump's tariff policies.
The imposition of a 25% tax on steel and aluminum imports into the US, along with the possibility of expanding taxes on cars and other industries, has raised concerns about global trade tensions. This puts pressure on the Japanese economy, causing the Yen to weaken.
In addition, the USD maintained its upward momentum as the US Federal Reserve (FED) maintained a tough monetary policy stance. Fed Chairman Jerome Powell's statement that the central bank has no plans to cut interest rates has boosted the greenback, pushing the USD/JPY exchange rate above 153.00 on February 12.
Despite pressure from US policies, the Yen still receives support from expectations that the Bank of Japan (BoJ) will continue to raise interest rates. See more...
