Gold prices could rise 20%, breaking the $3,300 peak this year
A positive start to January could signal another big year for gold prices, even after prices rose about 27% last year.
Gold prices are off to their best start since 2023 and are on track for their strongest monthly gain since September, when prices tested new highs.
In his 2025 outlook report, Eric Strand - founder of precious metals company AuAg Funds - predicted that gold prices will surpass the $3,000/ounce mark this year.
“We expect gold to break $3,000 an ounce during the year and could end higher, with a realistic target of $3,300 an ounce,” he said.
Strand's bullish price represents a 20% increase from current levels. Strand believes the new Trump administration could usher in a new era of economic stimulus and loose monetary policy.
"Both Donald Trump and Elon Musk have built their careers on borrowing big and implementing bold strategies. In the next four years, the same situation may occur: The government will do everything possible to avoid a crisis and promote growth. However, this will lead to monetary inflation. Strong inflation will create a financial environment that pushes up commodity prices, including gold," Strand said. See more...
Ho Chi Minh City supermarkets are crowded with customers shopping for Tet, purchasing power increases
Durian exports still have a lot of room, expected to grow strongly
Durian exports are expected to reach US$3.2 billion by 2024, accounting for nearly 50% of the total value of fruit and vegetable exports, affirming its great potential in the Chinese market. However, the industry still faces regional competition challenges and strict quality control requirements from partners.
Competition from rivals such as Thailand and Indonesia is increasing, as China opens its doors to importing durian from these countries. Internal issues such as quality assurance and compliance with technical standards of importing countries are also issues that need to be resolved. Violations of growing area codes and packing facilities are causing impacts. For example, in Tien Giang, 55 growing area codes and 44 packing facilities have been suspended from exporting due to violations.
Mr. Dang Phuc Nguyen - General Secretary of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association (Vinafruit) - said that it is necessary to quickly build many standard testing rooms to issue safety certificates, without BY2 residue, to help export activities not be interrupted". See more...
Yen suddenly depreciates
Japanese Yen falls while USD/JPY recovers, with expectations of BoJ rate hike and Fed rate cut providing a boost to the USD.
According to FXStreet, on January 22, the Japanese Yen (JPY) suddenly weakened along with increased USD (US Dollar) buying, causing the USD/JPY pair to rise from its lowest level in more than a month. Positive sentiment in the stock market also weakened the Japanese Yen, which is considered a safe-haven asset. In addition, a slight increase in US Treasury yields also supported the USD and put additional pressure on the Japanese Yen.
However, the yen may not fall sharply immediately, as the Bank of Japan (BoJ) is expected to raise interest rates at the end of its two-day policy meeting starting Thursday. Moreover, the possibility of the US Federal Reserve cutting interest rates twice this year could have a negative impact on US bond yields and the USD. Therefore, caution is needed before confirming that the USD/JPY pair has reached a short-term bottom and will continue to rise.
With Bank of Japan officials making dovish comments, optimism that rising wages will help Japan sustainably reach its 2% inflation target has supported expectations that the BoJ will raise interest rates on Friday. See more...
