Stocks, gold, and bonds have traditionally played different roles in a diversified portfolio. But how well have those roles held up in the 21st century? A closer examination of more than 25 years of market performance reveals some surprising differences in how these assets have responded to economic crises, inflation, and periods of growth.
Even as Americans struggle with the rising cost of living, economists warn that inflation pressures could continue building in the months ahead. The Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) price index, the Federal Reserve’s preferred measure of inflation, reached 3.4% in August, well above the central bank’s 2% target. ...
You don’t have to drive a diesel-powered vehicle to feel the effects of rising diesel prices. Diesel powers the trucks that deliver groceries, the equipment that harvests crops, and the machinery that builds homes. When those operating costs rise, the pressure can travel through the economy—and eventually reach household budgets. ...
At its September summit in New Delhi, BRICS renewed discussions about making cross-border payments easier and using members’ local currencies in trade. If more countries rely less on the U.S. dollar, what could that mean for gold? In a recent episode of America’s Gold Authority Podcast, former U.S. Mint Director and U.S. Money...
Diesel prices have climbed to record highs, creating economic consequences that extend far beyond the fuel pump. Because diesel powers trucking, agriculture, construction, manufacturing, and other critical industries, higher fuel costs can eventually work their way into the prices consumers pay for goods and services throughout the economy.
Gold and interest rates have often moved in opposite directions, but their relationship is more complicated than the familiar rule that “rates up” means “gold down.” Inflation expectations, the strength of the U.S. dollar, central bank demand, fiscal concerns, and geopolitical uncertainty can all affect gold prices—and sometimes...
China has already imported more gold in eight months than it did in all of 2025, adding a powerful source of demand that could help support gold prices over the long term. Between January and August 2026, China imported more than 1,000 metric tons of gold worth a record $158.8 billion. This figure already surpasses the 886 metric tons...
BRICS is becoming an increasingly important force in the global economy as its members seek greater influence over international trade and finance. With the coalition now encompassing 11 countries, its efforts to build a more multipolar financial system could have significant implications for the U.S. dollar and gold.
U.S. Treasury yields have surged to levels not seen in nearly two decades, raising concerns that stubborn inflation and higher interest rates could eventually put the economy in a difficult position known as stagflation. Stagflation happens when prices rise and economic growth slows, leaving policymakers with multiple...
The Federal Reserve raised interest rates by a quarter of a percentage point on September 16, bringing the target range for the federal funds rate to 3.75%–4%. The unanimous decision marked the central bank’s first rate increase since 2023 and a significant shift following three rate cuts in late 2025. Federal Reserve Chair...
China’s central bank reportedly acquired 20 tons of gold in August, and it was far from alone. Central banks in India, Poland, Korea, the Czech Republic, and other countries have also been adding gold to their reserves. Why are some of the world’s most influential financial institutions buying gold even after...
The Federal Reserve has raised interest rates for the first time in three years, marking a significant shift in monetary policy as inflation remains stubbornly elevated. The unanimous 25-basis-point increase may only be the beginning, with most Fed policymakers signaling that another increase could follow.
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