ICICI Direct, Rupee ended barely changed yesterday amid pessimistic domestic market sentiments. ICICI Direct, Rupee ended barely changed yesterday amid pessimistic domestic market sentiments. , Buy USDINR; target of : 82.82 : March 06, 2024: ICICI Direct
Barber coins represent a curious exception to the rich diversity and celebrated designs of American coinage. These coins were minted for nearly 25 years in three denominations yet didn’t receive much variation in appearance. Ironically, Barber coins were intended to revamp the face of silver coins, but the resulting designs received widespread criticism at their time of release.
This peculiar history has given Barber coins a distinct reputation and numismatic appeal among coin collectors and investors. Understanding the unique history, precious metals contents, and types of Barber coins can give investors the insights they need to determine the investment merit of this coinage.
Barber coins are named after Charles E. Barber, the US Mint’s Chief Engraver, who was tasked with giving the country’s silver coinage a new face. Barber had the idea to hold a contest among well-known engravers, sculptors, and other artists to broaden the Mint’s options and generate fresh ideas. The competition failed to produce any designs deemed worthwhile which led mint director Edward O. Leech to request suggestions directly from Barber. After a few initial rejections, Barber’s design was approved by Mint leaders and Congress. The final design was minted on dimes, quarters, and half-dollars which collectively became known as Barber coins.
By the close of the 19th century, the public was growing increasingly dissatisfied with the look of American coinage. The Seated Liberty design had been featured on the majority of coins for over 50 years. In 1891, the US Mint decided to hold a public competition in the hopes of generating inventive and inspirational designs. Unfortunately, limited funding meant only the winner would receive compensation. This discouraged many talented and well-established artists from taking part.
A panel of renowned coinage experts was put together to review the public’s submissions. Barber and Augustus Saint-Gaudens, designer of the eponymous Double Eagle Gold Coin, disagreed vehemently on the quality and utility of the designs. In the end, all of the 300 submissions were rejected with only two receiving honorable mention. The contest proved to be an abject failure, and the project to give US coinage a new face fell into the lap of Barber who was eager to head the venture.
Leech officially tapped Barber to prep designs for the dime, quarter, and half dollar in 1891. The Mint decided to leave the Morgan Silver Dollar design alone given the coin’s high rate of production at the time. Barber’s initial concepts which largely ignored Leech’s direction were promptly rejected. With a little back and forth, the pair eventually settled on three designs which were struck on pattern coins and presented to President Harrison and his cabinet.
The approved design was immediately slated for production. The motif, which was drawn up for the half-dollar, was simply scaled down for the dime and quarter. Since the law restricted dimes from depicting an eagle, Barber had to develop a separate reverse design. He landed on a minimalist theme with a wreath encompassing the inscription ONE DIME. On January 2, 1892, the Philadelphia Mint began full-scale production of Barber coins.
Criticisms of Barber coins were almost immediate with prominent figures and numismatic publications calling the designs dull, uninspired, and amateur. However, Barber did receive some recognition for the mechanical aspect of the coinage such as the engraving precision, design clarity, and minting functionality. This disparity underscored Barber’s functional and pragmatic approach to coinage rather than an overtly artistic motivation.
After the first year of production, Barber made slight changes to the designs of the half-dollar, quarter, and dime. These modifications were to address some production concerns and improve the appearance of the coinage. Collectors and investors refer to Barber coins in the first year of production as Type I and everything after as Type II. The first design is generally harder to find given its lower mintage.
The half-dollar, quarter, and dimes that bear Barber’s designs have collectively become known as Barber coins. They’re known for their minimalist and understated design along with their mechanical features which were advanced at the time.
The Barber half-dollar enjoyed 23 years of production between 1892 and 1915 with millions being pumped into circulation. The coin has a face value of $0.50, but its 90% silver purity equips it with higher inherent worth. The production of Barber half-dollars was concentrated at the Philadelphia and San Francisco Mint although the Denver and New Orleans Mint also contributed to manufacturing in 1906 and 1909, respectively. Some of the most scarce Barber half-dollars include the 1897-S, 1914, and 1915.
The Barber quarter also has a respectable silver fineness of 0.90. It received an extra year of production over its half-dollar counterpart between 1892 and 1916. During this time, the Philadelphia, San Francisco, and New Orleans Mint produced nearly 265 million Barber quarters. This high level of production means only a handful of Barber quarters are considered scarce with even fewer being exceptionally rare. Some key dates include the 1896-S, 1901-S, and 1911-S.
The Barber dime, also referred to as the “V”, liberty, or Barber nickel, experienced the highest production level among all Barber coins at over half a billion pieces between 1892 and 1916. Similar to other Barber coins, this dime boasts a 90% purity rating. Minting occurred at the Philadelphia, San Francisco, New Orleans, and Denver Mint. Despite the coin’s massive production scale, some versions experienced low mintages at around 500,000 over 25 years. These low-production versions include 1895-O, 1901-S, and 1913-S.
The obverse of the Barber coins depicts a stoic bust of Lady Liberty facing right. Her head is adorned with a Phrygian cap, a small ribbon, and a laurel wreath. On the half-dollar and quarter, the design is encircled by 13 stars and an inscription of IN GOD WE TRUST. Due to space limitations, the Barber dime has UNITED STATES OF AMERICA inscribed around Liberty without any stars. All Barber coins feature the mint date at the bottom of the obverse side.
The reverse design of the Barber half-dollar and quarter depicts a heraldic eagle with outstretched wings. A ribbon enclosed in its beak holds the country’s motto: E PLURUBUS UNUM. The eagle is clenching an olive branch and arrows in its talons which represent peace and readiness for war, respectively. Thirteen stars sit above the eagle’s head. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA is emblazoned at the top, and the coin’s denomination QUARTER DOLLOR or QUARTER is inscribed on the bottom. The Barber dime features a more minimalist reverse design. ONE DIME is written in the middle with a decorative wreath surrounding it.
The majority of Barber coins aren’t considered rare given their high level of production and widespread circulation. Millions of each iteration were minted over their multiple years of production. However, there are some notable exceptions. The famed 1849 Barber dime from the San Francisco Mint is the rarest version as it saw extremely limited production of 24 coins.
Yes, Barber coins carry inherent value given their historical significance, high silver purity, and numismatic appeal. However, their sheer volume of production and their circulating nature prevent many of these coins from reaching significantly high values. They represent an accessible and cost-effective investment option for those who don’t mind adding circulating coinage to their collection.
Barber coins represent a curious exception to the rich diversity and celebrated designs of American coinage. These coins were minted for nearly 25 years in three denominations yet didn’t receive much variation in appearance. Ironically, Barber coins were intended to revamp the face of silver coins, but the resulting designs received widespread criticism at their time of release.
This peculiar history has given Barber coins a distinct reputation and numismatic appeal among coin collectors and investors. Understanding the unique history, precious metals contents, and types of Barber coins can give investors the insights they need to determine the investment merit of this coinage.
Barber coins are named after Charles E. Barber, the US Mint’s Chief Engraver, who was tasked with giving the country’s silver coinage a new face. Barber had the idea to hold a contest among well-known engravers, sculptors, and other artists to broaden the Mint’s options and generate fresh ideas. The competition failed to produce any designs deemed worthwhile which led mint director Edward O. Leech to request suggestions directly from Barber. After a few initial rejections, Barber’s design was approved by Mint leaders and Congress. The final design was minted on dimes, quarters, and half-dollars which collectively became known as Barber coins.
By the close of the 19th century, the public was growing increasingly dissatisfied with the look of American coinage. The Seated Liberty design had been featured on the majority of coins for over 50 years. In 1891, the US Mint decided to hold a public competition in the hopes of generating inventive and inspirational designs. Unfortunately, limited funding meant only the winner would receive compensation. This discouraged many talented and well-established artists from taking part.
A panel of renowned coinage experts was put together to review the public’s submissions. Barber and Augustus Saint-Gaudens, designer of the eponymous Double Eagle Gold Coin, disagreed vehemently on the quality and utility of the designs. In the end, all of the 300 submissions were rejected with only two receiving honorable mention. The contest proved to be an abject failure, and the project to give US coinage a new face fell into the lap of Barber who was eager to head the venture.
Leech officially tapped Barber to prep designs for the dime, quarter, and half dollar in 1891. The Mint decided to leave the Morgan Silver Dollar design alone given the coin’s high rate of production at the time. Barber’s initial concepts which largely ignored Leech’s direction were promptly rejected. With a little back and forth, the pair eventually settled on three designs which were struck on pattern coins and presented to President Harrison and his cabinet.
The approved design was immediately slated for production. The motif, which was drawn up for the half-dollar, was simply scaled down for the dime and quarter. Since the law restricted dimes from depicting an eagle, Barber had to develop a separate reverse design. He landed on a minimalist theme with a wreath encompassing the inscription ONE DIME. On January 2, 1892, the Philadelphia Mint began full-scale production of Barber coins.
Criticisms of Barber coins were almost immediate with prominent figures and numismatic publications calling the designs dull, uninspired, and amateur. However, Barber did receive some recognition for the mechanical aspect of the coinage such as the engraving precision, design clarity, and minting functionality. This disparity underscored Barber’s functional and pragmatic approach to coinage rather than an overtly artistic motivation.
After the first year of production, Barber made slight changes to the designs of the half-dollar, quarter, and dime. These modifications were to address some production concerns and improve the appearance of the coinage. Collectors and investors refer to Barber coins in the first year of production as Type I and everything after as Type II. The first design is generally harder to find given its lower mintage.
The half-dollar, quarter, and dimes that bear Barber’s designs have collectively become known as Barber coins. They’re known for their minimalist and understated design along with their mechanical features which were advanced at the time.
The Barber half-dollar enjoyed 23 years of production between 1892 and 1915 with millions being pumped into circulation. The coin has a face value of $0.50, but its 90% silver purity equips it with higher inherent worth. The production of Barber half-dollars was concentrated at the Philadelphia and San Francisco Mint although the Denver and New Orleans Mint also contributed to manufacturing in 1906 and 1909, respectively. Some of the most scarce Barber half-dollars include the 1897-S, 1914, and 1915.
The Barber quarter also has a respectable silver fineness of 0.90. It received an extra year of production over its half-dollar counterpart between 1892 and 1916. During this time, the Philadelphia, San Francisco, and New Orleans Mint produced nearly 265 million Barber quarters. This high level of production means only a handful of Barber quarters are considered scarce with even fewer being exceptionally rare. Some key dates include the 1896-S, 1901-S, and 1911-S.
The Barber dime, also referred to as the “V”, liberty, or Barber nickel, experienced the highest production level among all Barber coins at over half a billion pieces between 1892 and 1916. Similar to other Barber coins, this dime boasts a 90% purity rating. Minting occurred at the Philadelphia, San Francisco, New Orleans, and Denver Mint. Despite the coin’s massive production scale, some versions experienced low mintages at around 500,000 over 25 years. These low-production versions include 1895-O, 1901-S, and 1913-S.
The obverse of the Barber coins depicts a stoic bust of Lady Liberty facing right. Her head is adorned with a Phrygian cap, a small ribbon, and a laurel wreath. On the half-dollar and quarter, the design is encircled by 13 stars and an inscription of IN GOD WE TRUST. Due to space limitations, the Barber dime has UNITED STATES OF AMERICA inscribed around Liberty without any stars. All Barber coins feature the mint date at the bottom of the obverse side.
The reverse design of the Barber half-dollar and quarter depicts a heraldic eagle with outstretched wings. A ribbon enclosed in its beak holds the country’s motto: E PLURUBUS UNUM. The eagle is clenching an olive branch and arrows in its talons which represent peace and readiness for war, respectively. Thirteen stars sit above the eagle’s head. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA is emblazoned at the top, and the coin’s denomination QUARTER DOLLOR or QUARTER is inscribed on the bottom. The Barber dime features a more minimalist reverse design. ONE DIME is written in the middle with a decorative wreath surrounding it.
The majority of Barber coins aren’t considered rare given their high level of production and widespread circulation. Millions of each iteration were minted over their multiple years of production. However, there are some notable exceptions. The famed 1849 Barber dime from the San Francisco Mint is the rarest version as it saw extremely limited production of 24 coins.
Yes, Barber coins carry inherent value given their historical significance, high silver purity, and numismatic appeal. However, their sheer volume of production and their circulating nature prevent many of these coins from reaching significantly high values. They represent an accessible and cost-effective investment option for those who don’t mind adding circulating coinage to their collection.
, Barber Coins: History, Types, & Investment Merit
Even those who wanted to see more of Cena will have been taken by surprise at the pro-wrestler-turned-movie-star’s latest showing. The former WWE champ has promised to take off his belt, and much more for the launch of his OnlyFans account, but this new exposure is not about making a few extra bucks on a side hustle. Hilariously, it’s all part of his promotion for the upcoming movie; Ricky Stanicky.
Cena’s OnlyFans account, featuring an image of the wrestling GOAT dressed up like Britney Spears in the header, is a clever publicity stunt designed to raise awareness of his upcoming movie; Ricky Stanicky, set to be released on Amazon Prime Video on March 7. “You’ve found the verified OnlyFans account for Ricky Stanicky,” reads the profile intro. “renowned impersonator, philanthropist, investment backer, socialite, cancer survivor and method actor. Subscribe to get SPICY pics and vids!”
John Cena is “Rock Hard” for his new movie role
The movie plot goes that Ricky Stanicky was dreamed up as an imaginary character, brought to life by three childhood friends (played by Zac Efron, Andrew Santino, and Jermain Fowler) to use as a handy alibi whenever they wanted to get out of a task, or escape for a boys only vacation. When their spouses detect they are being fooled, the lads are forced to find a real human being who will play the role of Stanicky to appease their partners’ suspicions. Enter John Cena, who plays Rod, a washed-up actor and risqué celebrity impersonator known also as “Rock Hard.” When Rod takes his new role of Ricky Stanicky way over the top, the boys wish they’d never invented the character in the first place.
The film’s writer, Peter Farrelly revealed in a press discussion attended by M&F that Cena was his first choice for Stanicky. “I saw him on Peacemaker, and I was about two minutes in Peacemaker and I said ‘that guy!’ I couldn’t believe how hilarious he was. I thought the way he committed to that character; it was a no-brainer. At that moment, I knew, it had to be him.” Cena’s OnlyFans account is free to subscribe, and provides the ultimate demonstration of his commitment to any project. Perhaps not suitable for work, his account boasts posts such as ‘playing with these blue balls’, ‘double action’, and ‘anyone want to hit this one more time?’ Don’t worry though, squeeky clean Cena hasn’t gone rogue. The image sets are spoofs, but you’ll have to subscirbe to see them for yourself. Ricky Stanicky is released on Amazon Prime Video on March 7.
#Heres #Real #Reason #John #Cena #Opened #OnlyFans #Account
Before the early 2000s, stretching was considered an essential part of starting off any workout routine. It was also a staple solution to any existing muscular tension or “tightness.” Today, many of the same rationales are still in use, so it’s worthwhile to bring attention to what’s right and wrong about stretching.
As a whole, there’s nothing wrong with stretching muscles, and the truth of the matter is, when most people do it, they’re going to feel some version of relief or “good” as a sensation-based result. Things really get put under the microscope when asking about this from the vantage point of a lifter who’s after high performance in the gym. Then the use of stretching takes on a very different, more nuanced complexion.
Many people only think about stretching from a one-dimensional perspective. Taking a muscle and elongating it to get a good stretch across the muscle belly. But it’s important to consider what comes along for the ride:
This all sounds pretty bad, right?
Well, it depends on how you look at it, and what you use stretching for.
When we’re training, the goal is usually to apply forces against (possibly heavy) resistances, to have our CNS (central nervous system) nice and sharp, and to ultimately perform well without risk to injury. Although a good deep stretch can feel nice before a workout, the truth of the matter is, on a scientific level, it’s not doing all that much to double down on working for performance and playing to your strengths. That’s why, these days, static stretching before workouts is usually not recommended.
Of course, the effects of static stretching listed in the bullet points above don’t last forever. If you stretch your hamstrings and then do Romanian deadlifts 30 minutes later, it doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be doomed to a sub-par performance in those deadlifts. As mentioned, the effects of static stretching are temporary, but it’s useful to know that it won’t have a lasting beneficial impact on your performance either.
Rather than focusing on held positions for stretches, the emphasis should move away from static stretches to dynamic stretches. It solves many of the above problems when the body gets to pass through positions instead of hold them, placing more of the lifter’s focus on capacities of mobility, rather than those of strict flexibility. These can all have a greater effect on the goals of a warmup, which include increasing heart rate, releasing synovial fluid (to lubricate joints), and even prepare for movements that will be used in the workout itself. Some good examples of dynamic stretches are:
A good warmup will involve plenty of this kind of action, and not take longer than a few minutes (5-7 should be the goal) before getting ready to hit the iron. Putting things together for a smart approach to a foolproof warmup might look something like this in its entirety.
A great rule of thumb would be to wait for the workout to end before using the static stretching method. Think of it this way: If you’ve ever received a solid, deep tissue massage from a licensed practitioner, chances are you felt pretty good after. You may have been able to move better and even feel a release of stress or tension, but you probably didn’t feel like the next thing you wanted to do was sprint 100 meters at a PR speed, or lift your max effort squat.
The reason why is because the massage was another method to suppress your nervous system. And it’s a reason why lifters and athletes may get massages after a tough workout or game (not before). This is the same logic to be applied to stretching, post-workout, calming the nervous system down after amping it up would be a smart call.
With that said, there’s one exception to the rule where this can come in handy, and that’s using static stretching tactically within your workout.
Here’s a scenario: You’re doing sets of rows or chinups, and your shoulders can’t seem to get down for a proper depression and retraction, in order to really zero in on the back muscles you’ve intended to hit with your working sets. You can hammer away at technique work all you want, but your shoulders keep sliding out of position to frustrate your lift’s performance and isolation.
This is where intentionally dulling the neurological involvement of certain muscle groups via static stretching can come in handy. Static stretching the upper traps and pecs deeply between sets and then immediately going into your next set of rows or chins can be a big difference-maker for how well those back exercises end up “taking”.
Applying these principles to your training can take your gains to the next level, and help you feel better on all fronts, during your workouts.
Lee Boyce is a personal trainer, college professor, writer, and speaker based in Toronto, ON. He travels around the world delivering seminars and workshops helping fitness professionals improve their skills, His book Strength Training for All Body Types (co-authored with Melody Schoenfeld) is available everywhere.
Follow him on social media:
Instagram: @coachleeboyce
X: @coachleeboyce
Facebook @coachleeboyce
Visit his websiteleeboyce.comto apply to work with him directly.
#Stretching
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In a shocking turn of events, Lufthansa ground staff are once again taking to the picket lines, throwing air travel into chaos and leaving passengers stranded. The airline’s employees, represented by the labor union ver.di, have called for a two-day strike set to begin on Thursday, causing widespread disruptions and cancellations.
Passengers across the globe are bracing themselves for yet another round of travel woes as Lufthansa struggles to navigate a protracted labor dispute. The strike, announced by ver.di, comes hot on the heels of previous walkouts that crippled operations and left travelers stranded.
The timing of the strike couldn’t be worse, with air travel already facing numerous challenges due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. As airports struggle to cope with increased demand and staffing shortages, the prospect of further disruptions threatens to exacerbate an already volatile situation.
The root of the conflict lies in a dispute over wages and working conditions, with ver.di demanding a significant pay increase and better benefits for Lufthansa’s ground staff. Despite repeated negotiations, the two sides have failed to reach a resolution, leading to escalating tensions and mounting frustration among workers.
For passengers, the strike means uncertainty and inconvenience as they scramble to make alternate travel arrangements or face the possibility of delayed or canceled flights. With no end in sight to the labor dispute, travelers are left wondering when they can expect a return to normalcy and reliable air travel.
As Lufthansa grapples with the fallout from the strike, questions loom over the airline’s ability to weather the storm and restore confidence among passengers. With each day of disruption, the stakes grow higher, and the pressure mounts on both sides to find a swift resolution to the ongoing labor dispute.
In the meantime, travelers are advised to stay informed and monitor their flight status closely, as the situation continues to evolve rapidly. With the specter of further strikes looming on the horizon, the future of air travel hangs in the balance, leaving passengers and airlines alike on edge.
In a stunning turn of events, the Supreme Court has delivered a verdict that will reverberate across the nation and shape the landscape of the upcoming 2024 election. In a landmark ruling, the highest court in the land has declared that states do not have the authority to bar former President Donald Trump from appearing on the ballot.
This decision, which comes amidst a backdrop of intense legal battles and political turmoil, marks a significant victory for Trump and his supporters. The ruling effectively puts an end to the debate over whether Trump’s actions leading up to the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol should disqualify him from seeking elected office.
The Supreme Court’s decision, delivered in an unsigned ruling with no dissents, overturned the Colorado Supreme Court’s determination that Trump could not serve again as president under Section 3 of the Constitution’s 14th Amendment. This provision prohibits individuals who have “engaged in insurrection” from running for various offices.
The ruling makes it clear that Congress, not states, has the authority to enforce Section 3 against federal office-seekers. By deciding the case on this legal question, the court sidestepped the need to analyze whether Trump’s actions constituted an insurrection.
The ramifications of this decision are far-reaching. Not only does it ensure that Trump will remain on the ballot in Colorado, but it also sets a precedent that applies to all states. This ruling effectively ends similar cases that have arisen in Maine and Illinois, where attempts were made to bar Trump from appearing on the ballot.
Trump wasted no time in celebrating the victory, taking to his social media platform to declare it a “Big win for America!!!” The decision has energized his supporters and dealt a blow to those who sought to hold him accountable for his role in challenging the 2020 election results.
While the bottom-line vote was unanimous, there were divisions among the justices on how the case was resolved. The three liberal justices expressed concerns about the breadth of the court’s decision, warning that it could insulate Trump from future controversy. However, conservative Justice Amy Coney Barrett emphasized the unanimity of the decision, urging Americans to focus on the outcome rather than internal disagreements.
The Supreme Court’s ruling brings clarity to a contentious issue and underscores the importance of adhering to constitutional principles in the midst of political strife. As the nation gears up for the 2024 election, the implications of this decision will undoubtedly shape the course of American politics for years to come.
Gold remains near a two-month high, hovering around the $2,100 an ounce benchmark, as speculation firmed that the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates in June after a series of economic reports last week.
Investors are awaiting Friday’s U.S. monthly jobs report for February, a key economic indicator, for further direction. The Fed closely tracks both labor market and inflation data when determining monetary policy. Lower interest rates are considered bullish because they make gold a more attractive asset for investors.
Fed Chair Jerome Powell is also set to testify before Congress on Wednesday and Thursday, and a number of Fed official are additionally scheduled to speak this week.
Front-month gold futures rose 2.3% last week to settle at $2,095.70 an ounce on Comex after the most-active April contract gained 2% Friday. Bullion dropped 0.6% in February after declining 0.2% in January and gaining 0.7% in December. The metal rose 13% in 2023. The April contract is currently up $8.0 (+0.38%) an ounce to $2103.70 and the DG spot price is $2098.60.
The Fed’s favorite inflation measure, the personal consumption expenditures price index, came in in line with economists’ estimates last week. Excluding volatile food and energy costs, so-called core-PCE increased 0.4% month on month in January and 2.8% from a year earlier. Top-line PCE, including food and energy costs, increased 0.3% for the month and 2.4% on a 12-month basis. The Fed is targeting 2% inflation.
But U.S. factory activity shrank at a faster pace in February, according to the key manufacturing report from the Institute for Supply Management, which came out Friday, signaling that the economy may be softening. The report came in below all but one estimate in a Bloomberg survey of economists. Production and factory employment dropped to the lowest levels since July.
In addition to the Labor Department’s jobs report Friday, investors will be closely watching the private payrolls report Wednesday from ADP and the weekly initial jobless claims report out Thursday from the Labor Department.
More than a dozen U.S. states are holding Republican and Democratic primary elections on Tuesday and may finalize the U.S. presidential race in November.
About 97% of the investors tracked by the CME FedWatch Tool are betting that the Fed will keep rates unchanged this month, while 3% expect a 25 basis point cut. Most investors tracked by the tool now also anticipate the Fed will hold rates steady at the following policy meeting in May. Most are now looking to June for a rate cut.
The central bank has raised interest rates by 5.25 percentage points since March 2022 in an effort to cut inflation, but kept rates unchanged at 5.25% to 5.50% earlier this month. High interest rates are typically considered bearish for gold.
Front-month silver futures rose 0.8% last week to settle at $23.36 an ounce on Comex after the May contract rallied 2.1% Friday. Silver lost 1.2% in February after falling 3.8% in January and dropping 6.1% in December. It ticked up 0.2% in 2023. The May contract is currently up $0.241 (+1.03%) an ounce to $23.605 and the DG spot price is up $23.47.
Spot palladium decreased 3.2% last week to $967.50 an ounce but gained 1.4% Friday. Palladium fell 4.6% in February after tumbling 11% in January and advancing 8.6% in December. Palladium plummeted 38% last year. Currently, the DG spot price is down $7.00 an ounce to $961.50.
Spot platinum slid 2.2% last week to $890.60 an ounce, though it rose 0.6% Friday. Platinum decreased 4.9% in February after falling 8% in January and rising 8.1% in December. Platinum dropped 6.8% in 2023. The DG spot price is currently up $8.10 an ounce to $897.10.
Disclaimer: This editorial has been prepared by Dillon Gage Metals for information and thought-provoking purposes only and does not purport to predict or forecast actual results. This editorial opinion is not to be construed as investment advice or a recommendation regarding any particular security, commodity, or course of action. Opinions expressed herein cannot be attributable to Dillon Gage. Reasonable people may disagree about the events discussed or opinions expressed herein. In the event any of the assumptions used herein do not come to fruition, results are likely to vary substantially. It is not a solicitation or advice to make any exchange in commodities, securities, or other financial instruments. No part of this editorial may be reproduced in any manner, in whole or in part, without the prior written permission of Dillon Gage Metals. Dillon Gage Metals shall not have any liability for any damages of any kind whatsoever relating to this editorial. You should consult your advisers with respect to these areas. By posting this editorial, you acknowledge, understand, and accept this disclaimer.
Gold remains near a two-month high, hovering around the $2,100 an ounce benchmark, as speculation firmed that the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates in June after a series of economic reports last week.
Investors are awaiting Friday’s U.S. monthly jobs report for February, a key economic indicator, for further direction. The Fed closely tracks both labor market and inflation data when determining monetary policy. Lower interest rates are considered bullish because they make gold a more attractive asset for investors.
Fed Chair Jerome Powell is also set to testify before Congress on Wednesday and Thursday, and a number of Fed official are additionally scheduled to speak this week.
Front-month gold futures rose 2.3% last week to settle at $2,095.70 an ounce on Comex after the most-active April contract gained 2% Friday. Bullion dropped 0.6% in February after declining 0.2% in January and gaining 0.7% in December. The metal rose 13% in 2023. The April contract is currently up $8.0 (+0.38%) an ounce to $2103.70 and the DG spot price is $2098.60.
The Fed’s favorite inflation measure, the personal consumption expenditures price index, came in in line with economists’ estimates last week. Excluding volatile food and energy costs, so-called core-PCE increased 0.4% month on month in January and 2.8% from a year earlier. Top-line PCE, including food and energy costs, increased 0.3% for the month and 2.4% on a 12-month basis. The Fed is targeting 2% inflation.
But U.S. factory activity shrank at a faster pace in February, according to the key manufacturing report from the Institute for Supply Management, which came out Friday, signaling that the economy may be softening. The report came in below all but one estimate in a Bloomberg survey of economists. Production and factory employment dropped to the lowest levels since July.
In addition to the Labor Department’s jobs report Friday, investors will be closely watching the private payrolls report Wednesday from ADP and the weekly initial jobless claims report out Thursday from the Labor Department.
More than a dozen U.S. states are holding Republican and Democratic primary elections on Tuesday and may finalize the U.S. presidential race in November.
About 97% of the investors tracked by the CME FedWatch Tool are betting that the Fed will keep rates unchanged this month, while 3% expect a 25 basis point cut. Most investors tracked by the tool now also anticipate the Fed will hold rates steady at the following policy meeting in May. Most are now looking to June for a rate cut.
The central bank has raised interest rates by 5.25 percentage points since March 2022 in an effort to cut inflation, but kept rates unchanged at 5.25% to 5.50% earlier this month. High interest rates are typically considered bearish for gold.
Front-month silver futures rose 0.8% last week to settle at $23.36 an ounce on Comex after the May contract rallied 2.1% Friday. Silver lost 1.2% in February after falling 3.8% in January and dropping 6.1% in December. It ticked up 0.2% in 2023. The May contract is currently up $0.241 (+1.03%) an ounce to $23.605 and the DG spot price is up $23.47.
Spot palladium decreased 3.2% last week to $967.50 an ounce but gained 1.4% Friday. Palladium fell 4.6% in February after tumbling 11% in January and advancing 8.6% in December. Palladium plummeted 38% last year. Currently, the DG spot price is down $7.00 an ounce to $961.50.
Spot platinum slid 2.2% last week to $890.60 an ounce, though it rose 0.6% Friday. Platinum decreased 4.9% in February after falling 8% in January and rising 8.1% in December. Platinum dropped 6.8% in 2023. The DG spot price is currently up $8.10 an ounce to $897.10.
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, Gold remains near two-month high
