Gold Drops 3% as Oil Surges: Why the Fed, Not Fear, Is Driving Gold Right Now
Gold just dropped 3% on the same day oil spiked on Middle East tension, and that's not how safe havens are supposed to behave. The reason comes down to yields, the dollar, and a 70% chance of another Fed hike. With Wednesday's PCE report approaching, here's what could flip gold's story next.
Walmart Beat Earnings and Fell 9%: The Consumer Just Sent Wall Street a Warning
Walmart delivered an earnings beat and a guidance raise, then suffered its worst day in years. The problem wasn't profit — it was the shopper. U.S. comparable sales grew just 2.6% against expectations of 3.7%, the slowest pace since 2020, with the company pointing directly at high gas prices. With Brent crude near $94 on Iran sanctions rhetoric and Treasury yields climbing despite a surprise buyback plan, one retailer just told the market exactly where the American consumer stands.

