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Tag: precious

  • Vietnam’s Gold Market Stumbles as Stronger Dollar Devalues Precious Metal

    Vietnam’s Gold Market Stumbles as Stronger Dollar Devalues Precious Metal

    Gold prices in Vietnam experienced a downturn on Tuesday as the dollar gained strength, affecting the value of the precious metal in global markets. The Saigon Jewelry Company reported a 1.05% decrease in the price of gold bars, now valued at VND141.5 million (US$5,373.89) per tael. It should be noted that a tael is equivalent to 37.5 grams or 1.2 ounces.

    The price of gold rings also plummeted, falling by 1.39% to VND142 million per tael. Thus far, this year has seen a 7.4% decrease in gold prices in Vietnam.

    On the global stage, the value of gold also depreciated. The strength of the dollar played a significant role in this decline, as investors eagerly awaited cues from the Federal Reserve’s imminent policy decision regarding the future of interest rates. Spot gold saw a 0.7% decrease on Tuesday, falling to $4,044.81 per ounce. This came after a potential 1% rise on Monday. U.S. gold futures for August delivery also took a hit, dropping by 0.8% to $4,045.40.

    The dollar’s value remained near a one-month high, making bullion priced in dollars less accessible for holders of other currencies. Ilya Spivak, head of global macro at finance content network Tastylive, commented on the situation saying, “We’re oscillating in this narrow range between $3,950 and $4,200, and I think the market is just waiting for Fed signals.”

    Questions & Answers

    What caused the decrease in gold prices in Vietnam?
    The strengthening of the dollar put pressure on the precious metal on global markets, leading to a decrease in gold prices in Vietnam.

    How much did the price of gold bars and gold rings decline?
    Gold bars decreased by 1.05% to VND141.5 million (US$5,373.89) per tael, while gold rings declined by 1.39% to VND142 million per tael.

    What is the current situation of gold prices on the global stage?
    Gold prices have fallen worldwide, with spot gold decreasing by 0.7% to $4,044.81 per ounce. The rise of the dollar’s value is making dollar-priced bullion more expensive for holders of other currencies.

  • Singapore Unveils First Locally Vaulted Physical Gold Fund: A New Era for Precious Metals Investment

    Singapore Unveils First Locally Vaulted Physical Gold Fund: A New Era for Precious Metals Investment

    Singapore has recently launched its inaugural fully insured and locally stored physical gold fund. The move enhances the city-state’s prestige as an international financial center and a hub for precious metals.

    The LionGlobal Singapore Physical Gold Fund was unveiled following an alliance between Singlife and Lion Global Investors (LGI). It provides retail and policyholder portfolios with access to institution-grade bullion. This construct was designed to cater to the increasing demand for diversification and protection from long-term inflation, as reported in a press release on Tuesday.

    The fund is entirely backed by physical gold bars that meet the London Bullion Market Association’s Good Delivery standards. This arrangement allows investors to gain exposure to the performance of the metal’s price while circumventing the logistical costs and security risks associated with private storage.

    Transparent Tracking

    The fund securely stores and insures all holdings in Singapore and aims to closely emulate the LBMA Gold Price AM benchmark. This practice ensures the transparent tracking of the global reference price.

    The fund’s availability on Singlife’s ILPs is designed to let policyholders include physical gold exposure in their long-term insurance-linked savings and retirement plans.

    Digital Access

    Stanz Tan, Head of Investments and Wealth at Singlife, stated that this option supports “diversification, wealth preservation, and growth” as market dynamics develop. Digital access is a fundamental aspect of this rollout. Through GROW and dollarDEX, investors can add gold to their portfolios with minimal entry amounts.

    Lion Global Investors CEO Teo Joo Wah stressed that Singapore’s reputation as a reliable financial and gold-trading hub makes it the perfect location for a fully backed physical gold fund. This initiative, he said, makes gold exposure “simpler and more secure for policyholders and investors alike” and aligns with the long-term structural demand for the metal.

    Institutional Framework

    Standard Chartered Bank acts as the custodian, trustee, fund administrator, transfer agent, and gold provider, centralizing oversight under a single institution with extensive experience in precious metals operations. This structure is designed to reinforce governance, safeguard assets, and enhance operational efficiency for investors seeking institutional-grade protections.

    The launch, backed by partners including OCBC, MariBank, and Great Eastern, aligns with Singapore’s SG60 anniversary and utilizes the country’s refreshed aspirations in wealth management and gold custody.

    This consortium-led approach underscores the fund’s role in shaping a more comprehensive precious metals market accessible to retail and institutional investors.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the LionGlobal Singapore Physical Gold Fund?
    The LionGlobal Singapore Physical Gold Fund is a physical gold fund that is fully insured and locally stored. It was launched through a partnership between Singlife and Lion Global Investors.

    How does the fund ensure transparent tracking of the global reference price?
    The fund securely stores and insures all holdings in Singapore and aims to mirror the LBMA Gold Price AM benchmark closely.

    Who are the key players involved in the launch of this fund?
    Key players in the launch of the LionGlobal Singapore Physical Gold Fund include Singlife, Lion Global Investors, Standard Chartered Bank, OCBC, MariBank, and Great Eastern.

  • DBS CEO Outlines Singapore’s Success Strategy Amid Economic Uncertainty

    DBS CEO Outlines Singapore’s Success Strategy Amid Economic Uncertainty

    In a recent speech, DBS CEO Tan Su Shan discussed Singapore’s approach to the current unpredictable macroeconomic climate, emphasizing the role of trust as a crucial factor for ongoing success.

    Trust as the Foundation of Singapore’s Success

    Tan Su Shan highlighted how Singapore has positioned itself as a reliable center for entrepreneurs to safeguard data and intellectual property, enable interoperability, and create experimental environments in sectors including healthtech, biotech, and software.

    She noted that Singapore has cultivated a valuable asset over time – trust. Recalling a meeting with Jack Ma around a decade ago, she shared his insight on the significant trust that Singapore has earned globally.

    Tan Su Shan stated that Singapore has played a critical role in various fields, ranging from private banking, wealth management, pharmaceuticals, health supplements to food, serving as a bridge between East and West. She emphasized the city-state’s continued significance as a trusted hub in today’s globalized world.

    The Four D’s Framework

    Regarding Singapore’s reaction to the ongoing global uncertainty, Tan proposed a framework called the “four D’s”. It comprises:

    1. Defending the nation’s existing strengths
    2. Disrupting the environment to prevent complacency
    3. Embracing the digital age
    4. Diversifying supply chains and consumer demand sources

    She concluded her speech by introducing a bonus “D”, reflecting on the improbable success of Singapore as a nation, and the boldness and ambition it represents.

    The Last D: Dependable DBS

    Tan Su Shan called on partners to consider the last “D” – DBS Bank. She emphasized how DBS serves as a dependable partner, sharing the global dreams of its clients, and fostering their success and growth to new heights.

    Questions & Answers

    What are the “four D’s” proposed by DBS CEO Tan Su Shan?
    The “four D’s” are Defending existing strengths, Disrupting to avoid complacency, embracing the Digital age, and Diversifying supply chains and sources of demand.

    What does the last “D” in Tan Su Shan’s speech refer to?
    The last “D” refers to DBS, emphasizing the bank’s role as a dependable partner that shares the global ambitions of its clients and supports their success.

    How has Singapore established trust globally, according to Tan Su Shan?
    Tan Su Shan highlighted that Singapore has earned trust globally by serving as a reliable hub for a multitude of sectors, maintaining data and intellectual property security, and fostering innovation in industries like healthtech, biotech, and software.