Market gyrations on Middle East escalation

Hey everybody,

This is your Resource Stock Digest editor Gerardo Del Real here with some Monday morning thoughts on what I’ll be watching for this week.

The US dollar is in full breakout mode firmly above the 106 level. That to me, unfortunately, indicates that the situation that's been heating up in the Middle East is likely about to get even worse with Iran’s weekend escalation.  

Obviously, that’s not a reason why we want to see gold trading above US$2,350 per ounce… but here we are nonetheless. Silver has also broken out and looks to be headed north of US$30 an ounce. 

Copper is having one of its best months in years. The red metal is now trading firmly above US$4 at right around US$4.30 per pound with global supply disruptions, amid rising demand, continuing to be the main thesis. 


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I would absolutely make sure you’re positioned in your favorite copper names with copper being my second largest exposure, next to lithium, in terms of commodities.

I mentioned interest rates, and we’ll be keeping an extra close eye on the banks, both large and small, as I believe the banking sector is in for a rough ride in 2024 as rates continue to remain stubbornly high.

Turning to Bitcoin, the world’s largest cryptocurrency was trading right around the US$71,000 level at the end of last week. Well, I am no crypto trader… but I will say that the current pullback to the US$64,500 level has been quick and violent.

Our in-house crypto expert Chris Curl sees Bitcoin bouncing higher as we head toward the halving. That could happen by the end of this week. 

If Chris is right, and if this is a market you trade in, then the upcoming halving event, coupled with the current pullback, represents a heck of an opportunity. Chris covers the Bitcoin halving, and a lot more, right here.  

That's all I got for this week, folks.

Let's get it!

Gerardo Del Real

Gerardo Del Real
Editor, Resource Stock Digest