Showing posts with label Gold. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Gold. Show all posts

Sunday, January 12, 2025

2025 Gold Forecast │ Namzes

Big picture: November 3, 2022, marked the 8-year cycle low in Gold, and we are currently in a secular bull market. The overall trend, which shows an upward bias from Q2 2025 onwards, is illustrated below:


The positioning of the current 4-year cycle low is challenging to determine, as the cycle is irregular and not as robust as in other markets. The average 4-year cycle, shown below, suggests a low occurring in spring 2025. However, as seen, this cycle exhibits significant variation. The best estimate is that, if it does occur, it will likely be in March 2025, featuring a rapid sell-off and recovery rather than a prolonged bottoming process:


The 18-month cycle also exhibits some variation, with two potential paths shown. The last low occurred in October 2023, meaning that either November 14 marked the low, OR the low is still ahead, potentially in spring 2025, which could coincide with the 4-year cycle low:


The shorter, tradable composite cycle is shown in red. The bottom panel displays statistics for the individual cycles. The 40-day cycle is expected to peak and then move downward into the January open, followed by an upward movement into the early February 20-week cycle peak. This period also marks the seasonal peak, when the topping window opens:


Seasonality is shown below with high-confidence zones. The topping window opens in early February, with the seasonal low occurring in the third week of March. Additionally, there is a high-confidence zone from July 26 to September 2, during which the market has risen in 85% of the past 26 years:


The most similar years (though based on a small sample size) experienced some consolidation followed by a move higher, with an 87% correlation:


Conclusion: Gold is in a secular bull market, and the most likely short-term path is as follows: consolidation for a week leading into the January 17 OpEx, followed by an upward move into early February. After that, the market is expected to decline into the third week of March. The 2,400-2,450 range provides strong technical support for any correction. From there, the market is likely to move higher, with the July 26 to September 2 period being a high-confidence zone. The next upside target is 3,000+ in the second half of 2025, with 2006 serving as the best proxy year (shown in purple):

 Consolidation into January 17 OpEx – up into early February – decline into third week of March
(2,400-2,450 strong support) – up into July 26 to September 2 top (3,000+ target) – steep decline in Q4 – up into mid 2026.

 

Markets Amidst Trump 2.0: Geopolitics & Geoeconomics in 2025 | Simon Hunt

In recent years, I have analyzed several long-term cycles, including demographic, economic, weather, war, inflation, and interest rate cycles. To my surprise, they all appear to converge around 2028. While geopolitical tensions will likely remain tense in 2025, the ultimate crisis may emerge as these cycles align.


Continuing US Economic Decline and Stock Market Crash by September 2025
The US economy is weaker than portrayed. Employment data, revised down for the first quarter, shows a likely weak second quarter, with retail sales, adjusted for inflation, declining last year. Big US companies will be laying off thousands. The Biden administration has inflated economic indicators, but the reality is far bleaker.

 S&P 500 Bull-Trap Reversal, Rotation Fragility, and Cycle Risk in 2025.

I anticipate a sharp stock market drop by September 2025, with the S&P 500, the NASDAQ and tech stocks (Mag 7) falling by 20% to 40%, respectively. By Q4, Trump’s policies—tax cuts, deregulation—will take effect, and governments will likely respond with fiscal and monetary stimulus. Over the next few years, equity, base metal, and precious metal markets may surge. This will be highly inflationary, possibly mirroring the 1980s, when US CPI surpassed 13% and global inflation hit 15%. The key question will be the impact on long-term bond yields. Bond vigilantes will likely push 10-year US Treasury yields into double digits, with similar trends globally (excluding China), leading to a crash in asset prices, especially in an already highly leveraged system with a 360% debt-to-GDP ratio. 
 
The primary drivers of inflation are excess liquidity and rising wages, along with a trend where a larger share of wages is being allocated to capital on corporate balance sheets. I expect US CPI to remain elevated, with the official CPI possibly reaching 13%, mirroring 1980 levels. However, John Williams of Shadow Government Stats estimates the real CPI averaged 10.8% last year. This persistent inflation will push long-term interest rates into double digits, likely triggering a crash in the debt-laden global system. Comparing current inflation to the 1970s, we see a pattern of volatility, with asset prices potentially deflating before structural inflation resurges, driving CPI to double digits.

Empire Cycle, Risks of War, BRICS, and the Emergence of a Multipolar World Order
Today we have two major powers—one established (US), the other emerging (China)—each with conflicting goals. One seeks to maintain global dominance, while the other rejects that vision. The only resolution could be through a significant crisis, possibly war. Afterward, we might see the emergence of a multipolar world, but this will likely take place in the early to mid-2030s, once we’ve gone through the crisis. The empire cycle, as outlined by voices like Ray Dalio, typically culminates in revolutions, internal conflicts, and proxy wars, followed by political and debt restructuring before a new world order emerges.
 
 Geopolitical tensions will continue to simmer through 2027,
with open conflict likely not breaking out until 2028.

The current geopolitical and geoeconomic picture is shaped by several major cycles: Since 1991, and potentially as far back as 1946, the US has sought to weaken Russia in order to control its vast natural resources. Simultaneously, China has emerged as America’s primary competitor, and to maintain hegemony, the US must constrain its rise. A related theme is Washington’s growing concern over the BRICS nations, which, if they mature into a serious rival, could undermine US dominance, particularly over the dollar. The war in Ukraine and tensions in the Middle East fit into this broader geopolitical strategy. Israel has long served as America’s foothold in the Persian Gulf, and a key aim of Trump’s foreign policy could be to disrupt the China-Russia alliance while isolating Iran, given their strong ties. The US has already made progress in Brazil, where key ministries are anti-BRICS and pro-Washington, with President Lula aware of the risks of opposing the US. Despite potential challenges for BRICS under Brazil’s leadership, the group’s recent expansion with Indonesia’s full membership is a significant shift, especially in South Asia.

Geopolitical concerns are at the forefront for many investors, and they’re my primary worry. It’s not a matter of if war will happen, but when. Geopolitical tensions will continue to simmer through 2027, with open conflict likely not breaking out until 2028, though this is my best-case scenario. In the worst-case scenario, Israel, after defeating Hamas and Hezbollah, may decide to attack Iran. In response, Iran would retaliate with overwhelming force, using advanced missile technology, including hypersonic missiles, capable of bypassing Israeli and US defense systems. While the risk of war is high before 2028, I believe open conflict will likely occur no sooner than then.
 
Weather Cycles, Severe Drought in the US in 2025, and Global Food Supply Shortages by 2026
However, one cycle that remains largely unaddressed but could disrupt Trump’s domestic agenda is the weather cycle. This cycle, particularly the Gleissberg cycle, a 90-year pattern, is aligning with US drought cycles for the first time since the 1930s. This could mirror the impact of the Dust Bowl. As the cycle begins to take effect this year, reports from areas like Pennsylvania indicate food shortages—beef and chicken in particular—which could drive soaring food prices by 2026. This will pose significant challenges for Trump’s efforts to regenerate America, especially considering the global nature of this issue, as the US is a major food exporter.

Shawn Hackett on weather cycles, their relationship to price action in agricultural commodities,
and the potential for a major drought in the US in 2025 based on the 89-year Gleissberg cycle. (see also [HERE])

The weather disruptions are linked to a shift in the Atlantic Ocean’s cycle, transitioning from a 40-year warming phase to a cooling phase starting in 2025. Historical parallels show that this cooling period could cause extreme weather, including shorter growing seasons and disrupted food production. Additionally, the Sun’s quiet phase, along with the 60-year Yoshimura planetary temperature cycle and the 90-year Gleissberg cycle, will likely exacerbate these effects, creating a pattern of climate instability not seen since the early 1600s. This emerging cycle, largely overlooked, could lead to global food supply shortages and soaring food prices, impacting markets, debt, and interest rates.

Two-Year Commodity Boom: Rising Food, Crude Oil, Copper, and Gold Prices
Food prices are expected to rise sharply, and by 2026, oil prices are likely to increase despite efforts by President Trump. Disruptions, such as sanctions on Iran, could lead to China sourcing oil from Russia instead. By 2028, oil prices could surpass $150. Once inflation cycles begin, they often become self-perpetuating as people hedge by buying in advance and companies stockpile goods. For example, copper prices could double from $7,000 to $14,000 by late 2027, reflecting the inflationary dynamics at play.
 
While commodities are underperforming equities, they are relatively cheap and primed for a rebound, especially with inflationary pressures. Precious metals have already shown strength, and sectors like energy and food may follow, particularly if weather disruptions occur. Although we won't enter a supercycle until the early 2030s, we could see a two-year commodity boom. This period will set the stage for a return to 4% global GDP growth, marking the true supercycle.

 Although we won't enter a Commodity Supercycle until the early 2030s
we could see a two-year commodity boom.

Gold had a remarkable 40% rise last year, signaling inflation concerns and currency instability. Central banks are diversifying into tangible assets like gold, and both China and Russia hold significant, underreported gold reserves. If China’s currency faces pressure, it could announce gold backing, possibly from its 25,000 tons of gold. Russia holds about 12,000 tons. The BRICS nations may also introduce a gold-backed currency in the next five years, further driving gold's upward trajectory over the next decade.

US Dollar Index (DXY) Decline to 0.90 by the End of 2025, and as Low as 0.65 by 2028
The dollar, often referred to as the "king of currencies," is expected to peak around 110 on the dollar index in the coming months before beginning a decline. By the end of 2025, it may hover closer to 0.90, and by 2026, closer to 0.80. By 2028, the dollar could fall as low as 0.65, marking a substantial decline ahead. Policies such as trade tariffs could impact the dollar, with some close to the Trump camp suggesting he may favor a weaker dollar to boost exports. However, the broader trend is clear: increasing trade among BRICS nations, excluding the dollar, will reduce demand for the currency.

China's Economic Recovery in 2025 and Bull Market into 2028
Despite recent challenges, the Chinese equity market has surged, suggesting potential for an inflection point. A key shift in China is the transition to collective decision-making, moving away from President Xi’s sole influence, likely driving fiscal and monetary expansion. I expect a sharp recovery in China’s economy in the latter half of 2025, boosting global performance. The Shanghai Composite will likely mirror global market trends—approaching a peak, followed by a correction, and then a bull market into 2028. Despite negative narratives, China’s consumer spending is up 10%, and the property market appears to be bottoming out. Consumption patterns are shifting, but not necessarily unfavorably.
 
 
See also: 

Wednesday, January 1, 2025

2025 Outlook on S&P 500, Cryptos, Currencies, Metals & Energy │ Namzes

In 2025, the S&P 500 is expected to head toward a multi-year major market top. The overall structure of the S&P 500 is forecasted to rise until mid-January, followed by a correction of more than 10% into late February or mid-to-late March, and then a melt-up into a major top in mid-July or late-August. This will be followed by an approximately 17% drop into late October that will trigger a bear market.

 
S&P 500 projection for 2025 (timing, not magnitude) with seasonally strong windows in the bottom panel.

The S&P 500 is projected to rise until around January 17, reaching approximately 6,250, then experience a 10%+ correction by the end of Q1, targeting around 5,600. Key buy points are expected around February 26 and in the second half of March, with the ideal date being March 28, which will set up the final leg up. A minor buy point is likely around June 27. 
 

The major top is anticipated around July 17, with the possibility of a lower high or a double top/divergent high by August 22, with a minimum target of 6,500 and an upside target of approximately 7,000. After this, the market is expected to drop into a low around October 27, aligning with seasonal and nested cycle lows, followed by a bounce that ultimately fails. The S&P 500 is expected to end the year in the red, setting up for a challenging 2026, with a year-end target of 5,650.
 
In 2025 we face a conflict between the Decennial Cycle (years ending in "5"), which is typically the best year, and other cycles that suggest the market will peak in 2025. I will provide commentary on each cycle, starting with the 3.5-Year Kitchin Cycle (41-Month Cycle)
 
1.) The current Kitchin Cycle began in October 2022 (when we accurately called the bear market low), and 2025 will be year 3, which usually marks the peak. After that, the market is expected to decline into late 2026, which aligns with the ideal low of the next 3.5-year cycle. 
 
 2025 will be year 3 of the 3.5-year Kitchin cycle.

2.) Looking at the 4-Year Presidential Cycle, 2025 (the first year) is expected to follow a pattern of a spring dip, a summer rally, and a fall crash. I believe this is the key setup for next year, followed by the second year (2026), which is typically the weakest in the 4-Year Cycle. 
 
3.) The longer 18.6-Year Cycle is entering its peaking window in 2025, or possibly 2026. We are entering year 17 of the cycle, so we should begin watching for signs of a top, such as a marquee event like the SpaceX IPO. Market tops are a process, but we should start looking for indicators like weakening economic data, deteriorating market breadth, and earnings rolling over.
 
 The 18.6-Year Cycle is peaking in 2025, or possibly 2026.
 
4.) The Decennial Cycle shows that years ending in "5" are typically the most bullish in the 10-Year Cycle and rarely have negative returns. However, I believe we may have pulled some of the gains from 2025 into 2024 (since year 4 usually experiences sideways consolidation, setting up a blow-off top in 2025). Given the strength of the Decennial Cycle, we must be mindful that the fall of 2025 could be stronger than I currently anticipate. The average seasonality for year 5 is shown in the second chart.
 
 Years ending in "5" are typically the most bullish in the 10-Year Cycle.
 
 A close-up of the typical Year 5 seasonality.

5.)
I analyzed the years within the 4-year cycle pattern and identified the 11 most similar years, based on a high correlation score and comparable structure. From this analysis, I created a composite historical projection, shown in green. I’ve also included the composite 4-year cycle for reference, and you can see that the best-matching years closely follow the typical 4-year path.
 
The green composite line represents a historical projection based on 
the 11 most similar years within the 4-year cycle pattern.

6.) The 5-Year Liquidity Cycle, proxied by the M2 year-over-year (YoY) change, is expected to peak in the second half of 2025 and then decline until late 2028 or early 2029. The Reverse Repurchase Agreement (RRP) is nearly drained, and while the Treasury General Account (TGA) could provide a temporary boost if it’s spent down, the Fed will soon halt Quantitative Tightening (QT). However, other central banks can't ease much due to the strong U.S. dollar. Maintaining historically overvalued equities will require a significant liquidity injection.
 
 Maintaining historically overvalued equities will require a significant liquidity injection.

The ideal bottom of the 5.3-year inflation cycle falls around the end of 2025. It largely depends on oil, which should begin its multi-quarter run sometime in 2025:
 
 The bottom of the ideal 5.3-year inflation cycle falls around the end of 2025.

7.) On the macro front, GDP growth is expected to peak in mid to late 2025, with rising unemployment signaling a recession in early 2026 or late 2025. The 5-year liquidity cycle is expected to peak around mid-2025 and roll over, which will create challenges for overpriced equities and crypto. The Fed’s actions regarding liquidity will be crucial, particularly if it continues supporting asset prices without real economic justification. 
 
 GDP peaking phase around mid to late 2025.

Bitcoin will experience a deep retest into a March 2025 low, followed by one more run at the 2024 highs in early summer, after which crypto will enter a multi-year bear market. In my opinion, there is a high probability that the next 4-year cycle (2026+) will be left-translated, with Saylor and MicroStrategy (MSTR) being liquidated and the Tether-fraud (USDT) likely exposed. Meanwhile, almost all altcoins will lose 99-100%. It is currently unclear whether Bitcoin will act more as a NASDAQ proxy or a monetary hedge in the years ahead. Many altcoins may have already peaked for the cycle, but some, like Ethereum (ETH), still have more upside.
 
The Dollar is likely to remain in an uptrend into 2025-26. There is a potential pullback early in the year, helping risk assets push higher, followed by a rally into spring (and a subsequent sell-off in risk assets). Then, a big correction in the USD is expected into the July-August low, which should coincide with the stock market top.
 
In the Euro, an 18-month cycle low is due and will likely occur around March 2025. The subsequent 18-month cycle is likely to be left-translated, with a drop into the 2026 four-year cycle low, targeting below parity with the dollar.
 
 EUR going to crash into 2026 low.

The Yen is expected to begin a multi-year uptrend, leading to trillions in capital flowing back to Japan in the years ahead.
 
 » ¥ strength leading to repatriation or repatriation leading to strong ¥? «
 
Bonds remain in a secular bear market, so any rally in bonds will be cyclical (driven by a growth scare or recession), followed by a significant rally in rates. A potential counter-rally in bonds is expected in Q1 2025, but it is likely to fail. The technical target for TNX is 5.5%.

Given that 2022 was the 8-year cycle low in Gold, we now have a bullish intermediate and long-term bias. There is a potential low in the spring around the 2,400 support, followed by a push higher towards 2,800–3,000+ into 2026. Central banks won’t stop buying as the war cycle and geopolitical tensions intensify, while governments debase currencies.
 
 Gold upward bias from Q2 2025 onwards.
 
Silver is expected to reach 38.00 within the next 6 quarters.

All energy should be in an uptrend over the next 6-8 quarters, with Natural Gas likely leading (reaching a new all-time high in 2026).  
 
 
The next best entry opportunity in Natural Gas is likely to occur
at the end of January to early February 2025, with a confluence of
the 100-day cycle low and the seasonal low. The above is composite
cycle chart from December 3, 2024 for reference.
 
The 3.5-YearCrude Oil cycle (left chart) is starting with long consolidation. 
Leading indicators (second chart) pointing to expansion move due in 2025-26. 
 
Crude Oil is expected to reach the 80 in the spring of 2025, then 100, and 150 by 2026. 
 
» Energy will outperform after big tech tops. «   

My Crude Oil leading indicators and cycles suggest a big move in the next 2 years, but the exact timing of the expansion is hard to pinpoint, potentially around the end of 2025 into 2026. [see also HERE]. Uranium is likely to return to 100+ in 2025, and Coal should also see gains.
 

Monday, December 23, 2024

Outlook for 2025: Depression, Debt, Default & Destruction | Martin Armstrong

The year 2025 marks a critical turning point, with a global economic crisis on the horizon. Our computer models predict a major downturn, particularly in Europe, and a prolonged US recession extending into 2028. This crisis stems from long-term mismanagement by central banks, especially the Federal Reserve, which kept interest rates too low for too long, forcing banks to hold risky government debt. While analysts focus on short-term rates, the Fed has little control over long-term rates, which continue to rise despite rate cuts. Tensions in Europe, including the threat of World War III, are exacerbating this issue and pushing rates even higher.

» While financial elites are aware of the looming collapse, everyday people will feel its full force. «

The rise in long-term rates reflects a loss of confidence in government debt. For instance, corporate bonds in France are now offering better returns than government bonds, and even Greece's debt is becoming more attractive. This points to systemic weaknesses within European governments. Meanwhile, the US faces its own dilemma: raising rates to combat inflation only makes its national debt more expensive. As the world's largest borrower, higher rates simply add to the debt burden rather than reducing spending. This crisis underscores the failure of Keynesian economics, which Paul Volcker acknowledged in 1979. Today, the US government borrows far more than in the past, and raising interest rates does little to curb spending—it only adds to the debt.


The financial system is now in deep trouble, and the average person will bear the consequences. Europe is headed for a depression, and the US is facing a severe recession. Unemployment will rise, wages will shrink, and basic goods will become more expensive. The gap between the rich and poor will widen, and financial instability will increase. A sovereign debt default in Europe by 2025 is likely to trigger a broader collapse, with massive financial instability by 2026-2027. Many banks and pension funds are heavily invested in government debt, and a default could lead to the disintegration of European financial systems. Insiders are very much aware of the crisis and fear that public panic could worsen the situation, potentially triggering bank runs. While not all banks are equally at risk, poor management and political interference in banking have worsened the problem. The Federal Reserve, designed to act as a backstop for failing banks, may be overwhelmed by the scale of the crisis.
 
The impact on ordinary Americans will be severe, with rising unemployment, shrinking wages, and higher living costs. While financial elites are aware of the looming collapse, everyday people will feel its full force. The US government’s failure to roll over its debt could spark a chain reaction, causing widespread bank failures. The interconnectedness of the banking system means one collapse could trigger a broader financial breakdown. Cash will become essential, as digital transactions and credit systems may fail, as seen in previous disruptions like the Canadian trucker protests.

I strongly recommend preparing for this crisis by having physical cash and at least two years' worth of food stored. The collapse of the financial system will lead to widespread losses in banks and pension funds, and the government and central banks will be unable to protect everyone. Those who are unprepared will suffer the most.

 November 2024: A Norwegian task force has advised against the immediate adoption of a central 
bank digital currency, while South Korea has launched a CBDC pilot with seven major banks.

As the debt crisis worsens, geopolitical instability will exacerbate inflation and push capital into the US as a safe haven. The dollar will strengthen, and sectors like gold, food, and bonds will see increased investment. However, emerging markets with high foreign-denominated debt, such as Brazil, will be particularly vulnerable to financial crises.

I also caution against the growing threat of Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs), which would grant governments unprecedented control over personal finances. The rise of gold as a long-term safe haven, coupled with rising long-term interest rates, will create significant risks for those holding variable-rate debt. People should prepare by securing tangible assets like cash, food, and gold, and locking in fixed-rate debt where possible. The coming crisis is inevitable, and those who prepare will have the best chance of weathering the storm.

 

The Panama Canal, Greenland, and Trump 2.0 | Andrew Korybko

Trump threatened that the US might retake control of the Panama Canal if it remains under indirect partial Chinese management and continues to charge the US what he described as exorbitant rates for passage. He then posted shortly after that, "For purposes of National Security and Freedom throughout the World, the United States of America feels that the ownership and control of Greenland is an absolute necessity." Both are his for the taking if he really wants them, but it’s unclear whether he does.

 » Available for Trump to claim if he truly desires. «

As regards the Panama Canal, Trump's immediate imperative appears to be rolling back Chinese influence over this crucial waterway, which he seemingly fears could be leveraged by the People's Republic to cut the US off from transoceanic shipment in the event of a crisis over Taiwan. He might also want to coerce Panama into shutting down illegal migrant routes to the US via the Darien Gap. Both are sensible from the perspective of his MAGA worldview that aims to restore the US' unipolar hegemony.

His objectives in Greenland might be similar in the sense of ensuring that Chinese companies don't obtain a monopoly over that island's critical mineral reserves as well as preventing the construction of "dual-use infrastructure" that might one day give Beijing military and intelligence advantages. Direct control over sparsely populated and practically undefended Greenland, which formally remains part of Denmark, is seen as the most effective means to that end.
 
  » A monopoly over the island's critical mineral reserves. «

Trump's threat to the Panama Canal and his claim to Greenland are also likely meant to appeal to his supporters' expectations that he'll "Make America Great Again" in a visible geopolitical way. Even if he doesn't impose formal US control over them, expelling Chinese influence from both and replacing it with US economic influence could be enough to satiate them. This could also solidify his legacy and lay the basis for his successor, who'd probably be
JD Vance, to establish formal control sometime later.
 

Both are Trump's for the taking if he really wants them since neither could meaningfully oppose the US military if he authorizes an invasion. They'd be low-cost operations with high economic and political returns even though they'd occur at the expense of the US' international reputation. The global community would predictably decry them as imperialist invasions, but nobody would stand in the US' way nor sanction it afterwards. The most that might follow is harsh rhetoric, nothing more substantive.
 
Quoted from:

See also: