finance

Money talks; reviewing the global economy, government spending, taxes, and economic policy that affect our social and political future.

Dollar Gains as Metals Slide Hurts Commodity Currencies. AI-Generated.
The U.S. dollar advanced this week as a combination of falling metal prices and investor caution put pressure on commodity-linked currencies. Metals such as gold and silver have recently experienced sharp declines, rattling markets that are closely tied to these resources. As a result, currencies from countries heavily dependent on commodity exports, such as the Australian dollar, Canadian dollar, and New Zealand dollar, have come under strain, while the U.S. dollar benefited from safe-haven inflows.
By Salaar Jamaliabout 17 hours ago in The Swamp
SBP Reserves Edge Up to $16.1 Billion: Pakistan’s Economy on a Cautious Upswing. AI-Generated.
In a positive sign for Pakistan’s external financial position, the **foreign exchange reserves held by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) have edged up to approximately $16.1 billion as of mid‑January 2026. This marginal increase indicates incremental stabilization in foreign currency holdings amidst ongoing economic reforms, inflation control efforts and broader macroeconomic challenges facing the country.
By Salaar Jamaliabout 18 hours ago in The Swamp
“FX Week in Review: Saxo Bank Mega Fine, Brendan Gunn Guilty Plea, OGM Relaunch, BullRush Takeover as CEO Leaves” — complete with subtitles and written according to vocal media requirements:. AI-Generated.
The global retail forex and CFD (contracts for difference) industry has experienced a dramatic week filled with regulatory actions, legal developments, corporate relaunches, and significant leadership changes. From a landmark fine for one of Europe’s best‑known brokers to a guilty plea in Australia and strategic shifts within prop trading firms, these headlines reflect ongoing transformation and heightened scrutiny across the trading sector. Here’s a structured look at the most consequential stories from the past seven days.
By Salaar Jamaliabout 19 hours ago in The Swamp
“Europe’s Oil Majors Prepare to Cut Billions in Shareholder Payouts” — complete with subtitles and written to suit vocal media requirements:. AI-Generated.
Europe’s biggest oil companies — long known for generous dividend payments and share buybacks — are now gearing up for a significant reduction in cash returned to investors, in a striking departure from past practices. This shift comes as profit margins tighten, global oil prices remain subdued, and strategic priorities evolve, signaling a broader transformation in how these energy giants allocate capital.
By Salaar Jamaliabout 19 hours ago in The Swamp
Silver Rate in Pakistan Today – January 30, 2026. AI-Generated.
On January 30, 2026, the silver rate in Pakistan witnessed notable volatility amid swings in global bullion markets and local currency fluctuations. Precious metal prices — including silver — have been closely watched by investors, traders, jewelry buyers, and households seeking stable value in uncertain economic times.
By Salaar Jamaliabout 19 hours ago in The Swamp
Rupee Strongly Bounces Back Against Australian Dollar, British Pound, Euro. AI-Generated.
The Pakistani rupee has staged a remarkable recovery against major foreign currencies, including the Australian dollar, British pound, and euro, reflecting a broader shift in investor sentiment and improving economic fundamentals. Analysts say the rebound is the result of a combination of strong remittances, a narrowing trade deficit, and proactive monetary measures by the central bank, signaling renewed confidence in the country’s financial stability.
By Salaar Jamaliabout 19 hours ago in The Swamp
Rupee Beats Dollar for the 90th Day in a Row. AI-Generated.
The rupee has extended its remarkable run against the US dollar, outperforming the greenback for the 90th consecutive trading day and marking one of the longest periods of currency stability in recent history. The milestone has drawn widespread attention from economists, investors, and policymakers, who view the streak as a sign of improved macroeconomic management and renewed confidence in the country’s financial outlook.
By Salaar Jamaliabout 19 hours ago in The Swamp
Chinese Speculators Set the Stage for a Gold and Silver Crash. AI-Generated.
Gold and silver markets are once again under intense scrutiny as analysts warn that speculative activity in China may be laying the groundwork for a sharp correction. After months of relentless gains driven by safe-haven demand, central bank buying, and global uncertainty, precious metals have attracted a wave of short-term speculative capital—particularly from Chinese retail traders. Market observers now caution that this surge in speculative positioning could be setting the stage for a sudden and painful gold and silver crash.
By Salaar Jamaliabout 19 hours ago in The Swamp
Warsh’s Return Revives Tensions Over the Fed’s $6.6 Trillion QE Hangover. AI-Generated.
Introduction Kevin Warsh’s return to the center of U.S. monetary policy debates has reopened an old but unresolved argument: what to do about the Federal Reserve’s $6.6 trillion quantitative easing (QE) hangover. As a former Federal Reserve governor known for his skepticism toward aggressive monetary stimulus, Warsh’s renewed influence has revived tensions within financial markets, policy circles, and Washington itself.
By Asad Aliabout 20 hours ago in The Swamp
Silver Mining Stocks: Why The $60 Breakthrough Could Unlock Major Investment Returns in 2025-2026. AI-Generated.
Silver mining stocks are back in the spotlight as analysts predict that a breakthrough in silver prices to the $60 per ounce level could unlock substantial investment returns in 2025-2026. With silver serving as both a precious metal and an industrial commodity, its performance has a direct impact on the profitability of mining companies, creating potential opportunities for savvy investors.
By Salaar Jamalia day ago in The Swamp
Further Decline in Gold and Silver Prices Across Markets. AI-Generated.
Global markets are witnessing a continued decline in gold and silver prices, as both metals face mounting pressure from a combination of macroeconomic, financial, and regulatory factors. Investors and analysts are noting that the precious metals sector is entering a period of heightened volatility, driven by interest rate trends, speculative selling, and changes in trading regulations, particularly in futures markets.
By Salaar Jamalia day ago in The Swamp
Sierra Madre Buys Second Silver Mine from First Majestic in $60M Deal. AI-Generated.
Sierra Madre Gold & Silver Ltd., a Canadian junior mining company, has acquired its second silver mine from First Majestic Silver Corp. in a transaction valued at $60 million, marking a significant step in its expansion strategy. The deal underscores the growing appetite among smaller miners to consolidate high-potential assets amid volatile silver prices and rising global demand for the white metal.
By Salaar Jamalia day ago in The Swamp