Gold Nears Seven-Week High, Eyes Bold $4K/Oz Breakthrough

Posted on December 16, 2025 by Olumide Adesina

The bullion asset rose to seven-week highs above $4,320 per ounce. The precious metal rallied on the possibility that the US Federal Reserve (Fed) will lower interest rates next year. Lower interest rates could support the non-yielding precious metal by taming gold’s opportunity cost

Furthermore, the risk-averse bias and uncertainty may increase safe-haven flows, which would raise the price of the yellow metal. However, last week’s hawkish comments from Fed officials may help the US dollar.
Traders will take more cues from the speeches by Fed Governor Stephen Miran and New York Fed President John Williams later on Monday.
Gold is trading in positive territory today. As long as the price stays above the crucial 100-day Exponential Moving Average, the precious metal’s positive outlook will continue.

Additionally, the 14-day Relative Strength Index (RSI), which is above the midline at 68.75, supports the upward momentum. This illustrates the yellow metal’s bullish momentum. Silver has more than doubled, and the yellow metal has increased by more than 60 percent this year, both on track for their best yearly results since 1979.

Gold went bullish after conflicting statements from Federal Reserve officials led metal traders to reduce bets on additional monetary easing in the world’s largest economy next year. Global risk appetite has decreased due to skepticism that tech stocks, which have propelled global benchmarks to all-time highs, can sustain their high valuations and aggressive AI spending.

The first upside barrier to watch is the $4,345–$4,355 range, which is both the high of December 12 and the upper limit of the Bollinger Band. XAU/USD could return to its all-time high of $4,381 if there is sustained upward momentum. The next resistance level is situated at the $4,400 psychological mark

XRP to Retirement Savings: Nationwide 401(k) Entry on the Horizon

Posted on December 16, 2025 by Olumide Adesina

US financial policy is experiencing a subtle yet significant shift. Lawmakers are actively pushing to integrate digital assets into retirement planning. This move could alter how long-term capital interacts with cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and XRP. What was once on the financial fringe is now moving toward the system’s core.

The focus is shifting away from hype and short-term trading and toward long-term portfolio building, structure, and regulation.

Retirement accounts are central to the American financial system, and any changes here will have lasting impacts. According to commentary shared by Pumpius on X, Congress is pressing SEC Chair Paul Atkins to take decisive steps.

Lawmakers want regulated frameworks that allow exposure to cryptocurrencies within 401(k) retirement plans.

This push aligns with broader efforts to modernize the US financial infrastructure, driven by concerns that current regulations lag behind market developments.

Momentum gained after President Donald Trump signed an executive order in August 2025, instructing regulators to expand retirement plans’ access to alternative assets, explicitly mentioning cryptocurrencies.

The Department of Labor swiftly retracted its earlier warning about cryptocurrencies in 401(k)s, removing a significant obstacle for plan fiduciaries.

This move did not endorse cryptocurrencies but restored regulatory neutrality. Since then, official communication from Congress has reaffirmed this stance, including a bipartisan letter urging the SEC to amend securities regulations. Lawmakers view cryptocurrencies as a matter of investor choice and market fairness.

However, not all digital assets are equally suited for retirement. XRP is particularly noteworthy for its integration with financial infrastructure and regulatory clarity. Assets intended for retirement portfolios must meet strict requirements, including the presence of institutions, transparent markets, and substantial liquidity.

China Rejects Nvidia’s H200 Chips, Outfoxing U.S. Export Gambit

Posted on December 15, 2025 by Olumide Adesina

China has deciphered the US strategy that permits it to purchase Nvidia. White House AI czar David Sacks stated that the H200 is rejecting the AI chip in favor of domestically produced semiconductors.

President Donald Trump announced on Monday that he would permit shipments of Nvidia’s H200 to China as part of an administration initiative supported by Sacks to take on Chinese tech giants like Huawei by introducing competition from the United States to their domestic market. Sacks hinted on Friday that he wasn’t sure if that strategy would succeed. In an interview with Bloomberg Tech, Sacks stated

“They’re rejecting our chips,” citing an unidentified news story he had seen that day. They don’t seem to want them, and I believe that’s because they want semiconductor independence. Sacks stated that he was alluding to a Financial Times article that claimed China was about to restrict access to the chips through a local approval process in which Chinese buyers would have to defend their purchases.

Sacks’ remarks raise concerns about Nvidia’s ability to recoup revenue from China, a data center market that it has completely excluded from its projections but that CEO Jensen Huang has estimated to be worth $50 billion this year.

Analysts at Bloomberg Intelligence project that China could generate $10 billion in H200 revenue annually, but only if the country accepts the US company’s chips.

Nvidia stated in a press release that it is still collaborating with the government on H200 licenses for approved clients. The company stated, “While we do not yet have results to report, it’s clear that three years of overbroad export controls fueled America’s foreign competitors and cost US taxpayers billions of dollars.”

Bullion Rally: Gold Hits Near Seven-Week Peak, Targets $4K/Oz

Posted on December 15, 2025 by Olumide Adesina

Copper Claws Back Gains With Base Metals After Friday’s 3% Tumble

Posted on December 15, 2025 by Olumide Adesina

Copper regained some of Friday’s steep decline as investors shifted their focus to the outlook for a tighter market in 2026.

The industrial metal increased by up to 1.5% on the London Metal Exchange after dropping 3% the previous session, as a selloff in shares related to artificial intelligence raised concerns about demand for the metal used in electrical wiring and renewable energy equipment.

This year, copper has surged 30% following mine disruptions that reduced supply and as traders send large volumes to the US in anticipation of potential import tariffs. Additionally, a wave of investment in green energy and power infrastructure has fueled optimism about long-term demand.

However, Friday’s drop highlights how the metal’s fortunes are now partly connected to the US tech boom and are susceptible to any decline in enthusiasm for artificial intelligence and tech valuations.

Copper increased 1.2% to $11,656.50 a ton on the LME as of 12:42 p.m. in Shanghai, after reaching a record high near $12,000 a ton on Friday before pulling back due to Wall Street’s tech selloff. Zinc rose 1.1% on Monday, and aluminium was up 0.4%.

Broadcom Dives 11% After Vague 2026 AI Guidance and Profit Pressure

Posted on December 15, 2025 by Olumide Adesina

Broadcom’s stock declined after its sales forecast for the booming market fell short of investors’ high expectations. The shares decreased approximately 11% over the past week, reversing earlier gains following remarks made by Chief Executive Officer Hock Tan during a conference call with analysts.

Some investors were disappointed to learn that the company has a backlog of $73 billion for AI products scheduled for shipment over the next six quarters. Tan, however, tried to clarify that this amount was a “minimum.” “We do expect much more as more orders come in for shipments within those next six quarters,” he stated.

Therefore, our lead time can vary from six months to a year, depending on the specific product.

Investors were looking for more clarity on when and how the company will benefit from AI, and the conference call came after a dizzying surge in Broadcom shares. Instead, they received a vague schedule without an AI revenue forecast for 2026, along with concerns about the company’s profit margins tightening.

Tan mentioned that the company received an $11 billion order from AI startup Anthropic PBC in the fourth quarter but cautioned that total margins were decreasing due to the sale of AI products.

He noted that Broadcom’s annual AI revenue forecast was “a moving target.” “I find it difficult to predict exactly what ’26 will look like,” he remarked. “Therefore, I would prefer not to offer you guys any advice.”

The call followed a generally positive earnings report. The fiscal first quarter, which concludes in February, is expected to generate $19.1 billion in sales, the company stated. Analysts projected an average of $18.5 billion. Furthermore, the company increased its quarterly dividend by 10% to 65 cents per share. He stated that a $10 billion deal in the third quarter preceded the $11 billion Anthropic order in the fourth.

Tan also mentioned that Broadcom signed a $1 billion customer order, though he did not name the customer. As part of a major data center build-out, Broadcom has benefited from demand for its custom chips, gaining a larger share in an industry primarily led by Nvidia.

Ripple to Retirement: XRP Set to Enter 401(k) Accounts Nationwide

Posted on December 15, 2025 by Olumide Adesina

US financial policy is experiencing a subtle yet significant shift. Lawmakers are actively pushing to integrate digital assets into retirement planning. This move could fundamentally alter how long-term capital interacts with cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and XRP. What was once on the financial fringe is now moving toward the system’s core.

The focus is shifting away from hype and short-term trading and toward long-term portfolio building, structure, and regulation.

Lawmakers want regulated frameworks that allow exposure to cryptocurrencies within 401(k) retirement plans.

This push aligns with broader efforts to modernize the US financial infrastructure, driven by concerns that current regulations lag behind market developments.

The Department of Labor swiftly retracted its earlier warning about cryptocurrencies in 401(k)s, removing a significant obstacle for plan fiduciaries.

BlackRock XRP Bombshell: Quiet Accumulation, Explosive Wealth Shift

Posted on December 13, 2025 by Olumide Adesina

Maxwell Stein, the Director of Digital Assets at BlackRock, caused a stir in the crypto market.

“Trillions of dollars are poised to enter the blockchain ecosystem, but in the short term, we need to demonstrate the technology’s utility,” stated Maxwell Stein. Meanwhile, Adena Friedman, President and CEO of NASDAQ, elaborated on how banks have begun tokenizing bonds, fixed income assets, and stablecoins, particularly Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs).

Ripple’s annual Swell conference is one of the most anticipated events in the cryptocurrency community. However, renowned analyst Digital Asset Investor recently noted that while the Swell conference may not directly impact prices, an announcement regarding an XRP exchange-traded fund (ETF) backed by BlackRock could have a significantly different effect. This comment reignited discussions about the factors that truly influence XRP’s market fluctuations and whether Swell WAS a meaningful price catalyst.

The consensus among digital asset investors is clear: the Swell conference typically does not lead to immediate changes in XRP’s value. The conference mainly focuses on cross-border payment innovations, blockchain integration, and industry collaboration—topics that support long-term fundamentals but rarely trigger short-term price spikes. Conversely, the analyst suggested that a formal XRP ETF, especially one backed by a major international investment firm like BlackRock, would dramatically transform the market landscape. Such an event would signify institutional support and regulatory recognition, potentially attracting significant capital inflows and influencing the token’s price.

Reactions on X varied among users. While some see potential, one user noted that the current market trend indicates weakness and consolidation, suggesting that broader declines may overshadow any positive developments. They also mentioned that retail traders might react emotionally in the short term.

The overarching conclusion is that traders differentiate between significant financial advancements and mere symbolic events. Although Swell’s global reach and institutional partnerships are noteworthy, they rarely generate headlines that impact the market. In contrast, the possibility of a BlackRock XRP ETF would have much larger implications for investor accessibility, liquidity, and long-term valuation.

Market participants will likely continue to look for signs of progress in institutional integration as Ripple’s Swell 2025 conference in New York approaches. However, until an ETF or regulatory milestone is officially announced, expectations for substantial price movements remain low.

Ripple Resurgent – XRP is SWIFT Disruptor in Instant Payments

Posted on December 13, 2025 by Olumide Adesina

XRP and Ripple are emerging giants in the global payment infrastructure, according to DAS Research. RippleNet is rapidly gaining traction as an effective alternative to traditional banking because it enables cross-border transactions to be nearly instant and affordable.

International partnerships with banks and payment processors are driving the rapid adoption of XRP among institutions. Ripple-backed stablecoins, such as RLUSD, enhance transaction speed, liquidity, and predictability, while RippleNet bridges the gap between traditional finance and blockchain settlements.

These advancements position XRP as a practical, payment-oriented asset rather than merely a speculative investment. Despite its technological advantages, XRP and Ripple still face significant challenges ahead. Institutional adoption may encounter hurdles due to increasing competition in the stablecoin market and heightened regulatory scrutiny.

While RippleNet offers advanced solutions, many banks still rely on traditional systems, resulting in relatively low on-chain usage. Strategic factors, such as partnerships through RippleNet, the adoption of stablecoins like RLUSD, and potential regulatory approval for XRP-based products like ETFs, will influence XRP’s future growth. These innovations could strengthen XRP’s role in corporate and sovereign treasury strategies, enhance institutional adoption, and improve liquidity.

XRP and Ripple are establishing a unique position in the global payments landscape, offering speed, affordability, and interoperability that traditional systems often struggle to provide. Ripple is emerging as a key player in the evolution of cross-border finance, propelled by expanding alliances, innovative digital solutions, potential market catalysts, and increasing competition from stablecoins. With their unmatched speed, cost-effectiveness, and cutting-edge digital offerings, XRP and Ripple are transforming international payments. The continued growth of RippleNet’s alliances, the adoption of RLUSD, and potential ETF opportunities are paving the way for success, despite regulatory challenges and competition in the stablecoin space.

Bullion Boom 2025: Silver Doubles Amid Gold’s Massive 60%+ Gain

Posted on December 13, 2025 by Olumide Adesina

Silver has more than doubled, and gold has increased by more than 60% this year, putting both metals on track for their best yearly results since 1979. Increased central bank purchases and investors’ withdrawal from sovereign bonds and currencies have supported the scorching rallies.

Gold’s momentum is set to carry into 2026 as solid central banks demand and renewed ETF inflows, coupled with easier policy and persistent geopolitical tension, keep the macro backdrop firmly supportive.

The Fed leaving a wide runway for surprises in its latest outlook” means that volatile markets are likely this year. The World Gold Council reports that holdings in gold-backed exchange-traded funds have increased each month this year, except for May. Tightness and disruptions in major trading hubs, along with a surge in demand, have supported silver in recent weeks.

The possibility of additional monetary easing in the US after a rate cut helped gold stabilize after three days of gains. Silver was approaching a record high. After rising 1.2 percent on Thursday, bullion was trading at about $4,270 per ounce. Following the reduction in borrowing costs on Wednesday, Federal Reserve policymakers left the door open for more interest rate cuts next year. Although the US central bank only indicated one reduction in 2026, swap traders are betting on two. Since they don’t pay interest, precious metals like gold and silver benefit from lower interest rates. The Fed will start purchasing $40 billion in Treasury bills each month to replenish the financial system’s reserves and further support bullion.