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Record Highs Above $5,600 Followed by Sharp Correction Amid Volatility

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Gold Prices Swing Wildly in Early 2026: Record Highs Above

Gold prices have experienced extreme volatility in the opening weeks of 2026, surging to an all-time high near $5,600 per ounce in late January before suffering one of the most dramatic sell-offs in decades, dropping as much as 21% in a single session on February 2. The precious metal has since staged a partial recovery, trading around $4,887 per ounce as of February 5, 2026, reflecting a turbulent start to the year driven by shifting interest-rate expectations, geopolitical uncertainty and massive speculative positioning.

The rally that carried gold to $5,608.35 on January 29 marked the culmination of a historic bull run that saw the metal gain more than 65% in 2025 and continue climbing into the new year. Analysts attributed the surge to sustained central-bank buying, persistent inflation concerns, rising U.S. debt levels, de-dollarisation efforts by emerging markets and investor hedging against potential policy surprises under the second Trump administration.

However, the momentum reversed sharply. Spot gold plunged nearly 9% in a single day on January 30 — its largest daily percentage drop since the 1980s — after reports surfaced regarding President Trump’s nomination of Kevin Warsh to chair the Federal Reserve. Markets interpreted Warsh as likely to pursue a less dovish monetary policy than anticipated, prompting a rush to unwind long positions and triggering stop-loss orders across leveraged funds and retail traders.

Silver suffered even more acutely, collapsing nearly 28–30% in the same session — its worst one-day performance since 1980 — as the gold-silver ratio widened dramatically before compressing again in the rebound.

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By February 5, spot gold had recovered to approximately $4,887 per ounce, down 1.57% on the day but still up 8.70% over the past month and a staggering 71.01% year-over-year. Gold futures for February 2026 delivery traded around $4,988, reflecting ongoing choppiness.

Drivers Behind the Volatility

Several overlapping factors fueled the whipsaw action:

  1. Monetary Policy Uncertainty Expectations for Federal Reserve rate cuts in 2026 have fluctuated wildly. Early-year optimism about aggressive easing gave way to caution after signals from the Trump administration and nominee commentary suggested a more hawkish tilt. Lower short-term rates historically support gold by reducing the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding assets; any delay or reversal in cuts sparked selling.
  2. Central Bank & ETF Demand Central banks continued aggressive accumulation — a trend that began in earnest in 2022 — providing a solid floor. However, retail and speculative ETF inflows reversed sharply during the late-January sell-off, amplifying downside momentum before bargain hunters stepped in.
  3. Geopolitical & Macro Risks Ongoing global tensions, U.S. fiscal deficits, trade policy uncertainty and de-dollarisation efforts by BRICS nations kept a bid under gold. Yet the speed of the rally led to overbought conditions, setting the stage for profit-taking.
  4. Technical & Positioning Extremes Futures positioning reached record net-long levels in late January. The subsequent liquidation triggered cascading stops, creating a self-reinforcing drop that erased weeks of gains in hours.

Analyst Forecasts & Outlook for 2026

Despite the correction, most major banks and research houses remain bullish on gold for the full year:

  • Wells Fargo Investment Institute raised its end-2026 target to $6,100–$6,300 per ounce, citing expectations of lower short-term rates and sustained central-bank demand.
  • J.P. Morgan maintained a $6,300 year-end forecast, arguing that hedges against macro and policy risks have become “sticky.”
  • Goldman Sachs targets $5,400 by year-end, driven by central-bank accumulation and renewed ETF inflows as rates fall.
  • Bank of America sees potential for $6,000 in the coming months, noting that physical-market fundamentals remain supportive despite volatility.

Reuters’ latest poll of 30 analysts and traders (conducted late January–early February 2026) returned a median forecast of $4,746.50 per ounce for the full year — the highest annual projection in Reuters polls dating back to 2012 and up sharply from $4,275 in the October survey.

Silver forecasts were similarly upgraded, with analysts now expecting an average of $79.50 per ounce in 2026 (up from $50 in the prior poll).

Market Implications & Investor Considerations

The volatility has created both opportunities and risks:

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  • Dip-buyers stepped in aggressively after the February 2 low near $4,400, pushing prices back toward $5,000 in subsequent sessions.
  • Physical premiums on coins and bars showed resilience, indicating robust retail demand even during the correction.
  • Gold/silver ratio compressed from extreme levels, suggesting silver may outperform on any sustained rebound.

For investors, the swings underscore gold’s dual role as a safe-haven asset and a speculative vehicle. While fundamentals — central-bank buying, geopolitical risk, fiscal concerns — remain supportive, near-term price action will likely hinge on U.S. monetary-policy signals, dollar strength and positioning unwinds.

As of February 5, 2026, gold’s path forward remains upward-sloping according to most forecasts, but the journey is proving far bumpier than many anticipated after the smooth ascent of 2025.

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Micron Technology, Inc. 2026 Q2 – Results – Earnings Call Presentation (NASDAQ:MU) 2026-03-19

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OneWater Marine Inc. (ONEW) Q1 2026 Earnings Call Transcript

Q2: 2026-03-18 Earnings Summary

EPS of $12.20 beats by $3.47

 | Revenue of $23.86B (196.29% Y/Y) beats by $4.35B

This article was written by

Seeking Alpha’s transcripts team is responsible for the development of all of our transcript-related projects. We currently publish thousands of quarterly earnings calls per quarter on our site and are continuing to grow and expand our coverage. The purpose of this profile is to allow us to share with our readers new transcript-related developments. Thanks, SA Transcripts Team

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Nike and Ja Morant Unveil ‘Jurassic Park’ Sneaker Pack for Nike Ja 3

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Cristiano Ronaldo Portugal

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Nike Basketball and Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant have partnered with the iconic “Jurassic Park” franchise to launch a themed sneaker pack for the Nike Ja 3, blending cinematic nostalgia with high-performance basketball design.

Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant attempting to dunk the basketball during his rookie season in the NBA.
Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant attempting to dunk the basketball during his rookie season in the NBA.

The collaboration, unveiled in mid-March 2026, features two distinct colorways — the “Raptor” and “Explorer” — inspired by the 1993 Steven Spielberg film and its enduring legacy. The pack draws from Morant’s personal affinity for the movie series, channeling elements like Velociraptor motifs, amber fossils and classic park branding into the signature silhouette.

The Nike Ja 3 “Raptor” (style code IU7240-001) adopts a menacing anthracite base with yellow ochre and bright crimson accents, mimicking the scaly texture and predatory vibe of the film’s raptors. Jagged overlays fade from golden yellow to dark grey, evoking dinosaur skin, while red “blood” accents on the branding add intensity. The tongue features the classic Jurassic Park logo in red, and the insoles display a duo of Velociraptors — one per shoe — that combine for a full scene when paired.

The “Explorer” (IU7240-300) pays homage to the iconic Jurassic Park tour vehicles, with a tropical-inspired palette including green and earthy tones. Details replicate the truck’s rugged aesthetic, complete with park emblems and subtle nods to the film’s adventure elements.

Both pairs include collectible extras: custom graphic insoles forming a dinosaur panorama, amber egg-shaped hangtags preserving Morant’s logo like the movie’s DNA-trapped mosquito, and special packaging that extends the theme. The design continues the narrative-driven approach that has defined the Ja 3 line since its 2025 debut, with Morant emphasizing personal storytelling in his signatures.

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The pack releases Friday, April 10, 2026, at 10 a.m. ET via Nike SNKRS, Nike.com and select retailers. Pricing starts at $135 for men’s sizes, $112 for big kids (GS) and $97 for little kids (PS). Full-family sizing ensures accessibility for collectors and young fans alike.

The collaboration arrives amid a strong rollout for the Ja 3, Morant’s third signature model. Since launching in August 2025, the shoe has gained traction for its low-to-the-ground feel, responsive cushioning and bold aesthetics tailored to Morant’s explosive style. Earlier 2026 drops included playful themes and homages, but the Jurassic Park pack stands out for its scale and cultural tie-in.

Morant, sidelined at times this season due to injuries, has remained a creative force off the court. He has teased unreleased Ja 3 looks on social media, building hype for upcoming releases. The “Jurassic Park” project marks one of his most ambitious co-design efforts, blending his love for the franchise with Nike’s storytelling expertise.

Sneaker enthusiasts and film fans have reacted positively to the reveal, with early images generating buzz on platforms like Instagram and X. Commentators praise the attention to detail — from the amber hangtag to the combined insole art — as elevating the pack beyond typical athlete collabs.

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The drop aligns with broader trends in basketball footwear, where narrative-driven partnerships increasingly dominate. Nike’s success with licensed IP collaborations, including past film and pop culture tie-ins, positions this pack for strong demand.

As April 10 approaches, anticipation builds for what could be one of the standout releases of 2026. For Morant, the project reinforces his influence in sneaker culture, extending his impact beyond the hardwood.

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Bitcoin price today: slides below $71k as traders pare Fed cut bets

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Bitcoin price today: slides below $71k as traders pare Fed cut bets

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WA appoints fuel controller

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WA appoints fuel controller

The state government has appointed a state fuel controller to oversee the distribution of petrol and diesel supplies, particularly to the regions, where shortages are becoming more evident.

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'Our heating oil's doubled in price in two weeks'

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'Our heating oil's doubled in price in two weeks'

Lawrence Salvoni worries not only about the price he has to pay, but the security of his supply.

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Bumper profit as Qantas rewards loyalty

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Bumper profit as Qantas rewards loyalty

Qantas Group reports $1.46b profit and announces sweeping reset for Frequent Flyer program.

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Camden pregnancy payment to continue after trial

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Camden pregnancy payment to continue after trial

The scheme provides £500 to support low-income families welcoming a new baby in the London borough.

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Albanese Says Fuel Supply Is Secure as ACCC Investigates Major Fuel Suppliers

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Anthony Albanese
Anthony Albanese
AFP

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is assuring Australians that the country’s fuel supply is secure amidst the ongoing Iran war.

His assurance comes as the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) announced that it will be investigating the country’s major fuel suppliers.

Fuel Supply Is Secure, Says Albanese

According to a report by Sky News, Albanese has reminded Australians to only take fuel that they need and avoid hoarding.

“I want to assure Australians at this time that Australia is well prepared. Our fuel supply is currently secure. However, I want us to be over prepared,” said the prime minister.

“I reiterate today my message to Australians is please do not take more fuel than you need,” he added. “That is how you can help. That is the Australian way.”

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Albanese has also assured that more measures that will help Australians will be announced in the coming days

ACCC Announces Investigation on Major Fuel Suppliers

His comments come just as the ACCC announced that it is investigating major fuel suppliers in the country over alleged anti-competitive conduct. Albanese has confirmed that the investigation has been launched and that he is aware of it.

According to The Guardian, among the major fuel suppliers that will be investigated are Ampol, BP, Mobil and Viva Energy.

As part of the investigation, the ACCC will look into reports about diesel availability for independent wholesalers and distributors in regional and rural parts of the country.

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“It is not our usual practice to publicly announce investigations, but given the significance of the issue, the ACCC is confirming this enforcement investigation,” ACCC Chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb said in a statement.

“It is important that fuel market participants and the community know that we are closely watching market conduct in relation to all fuels and we will not hesitate to act swiftly to enforce Australia’s competition and consumer laws,” she added.

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‘A buy-on-dips pick’: Why HDFC Bank is getting backing from analysts despite management blip

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'A buy-on-dips pick': Why HDFC Bank is getting backing from analysts despite management blip
Shares of HDFC Bank have come under pressure following the sudden resignation of chairman Atanu Chakraborty. Still, analysts are increasingly viewing the correction as a buying opportunity rather than a structural red flag. The stock’s decline on Thursday has pushed valuations into what some analysts describe as a “deep value” zone. The stock has lost about Rs 1 lakh crore in today’s trade.

Market analyst Deven Choksey said that the correction has brought the bank into a deep value zone, though he acknowledged that a governance discount may now be factored into valuations. However, most analysts tracking the situation do not see the development as a fundamental concern.

Ishan Tanna of Ashika Capital said that the exit appears more like a tactical opportunity. “The recent resignation of the Chairman looks more like a buy-on-dips opportunity rather than a structural concern,” he said, adding that the bank’s long-standing reputation for strong governance and processes offers comfort.

Read More: Rs 1 lakh crore wiped off! HDFC Bank shares slump 9%, set to record worst day since Covid crash

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Tanna also pointed to management commentary suggesting that the issue was not linked to regulatory or compliance lapses. “It seems to be more about differences in value systems, and not related to any regulatory or compliance problems,” he said.


This iew is broadly echoed across the street. According to sources cited by ET Now, Chakraborty’s resignation was not triggered by any concerns from the Reserve Bank of India, but followed prolonged differences over certain practices that did not align with his personal values.
Paresh Bhagat, CIO at Veer Growth Fund, noted that the development should be viewed in context. “We view the resignation… as non-material to HDFC’s fundamentals. The absence of any stated business or financial concerns reinforces that this is a governance-level change rather than an operational signal,” he said.He added that continuity at the top management level remains intact, which is critical for execution. “Leadership continuity under MD and CEO Sashidhar Jagdishan remains intact, and the presence of Keki Mistry provides further governance stability,” Bhagat noted.

The bank has also sought to reassure investors. In an analyst call, management emphasised operational continuity and indicated that the exit does not impact the bank’s day-to-day functioning or long-term strategy.

That said, some governance experts have called for greater transparency. Shriram Subramanian of InGovern said the bank should provide more clarity on the circumstances surrounding the resignation, even suggesting that both the company and the regulator should issue detailed statements to address investor concerns.

The uncertainty stems from Chakraborty’s resignation letter, in which he cited practices that were “not in congruence” with his personal values and ethics, without elaborating further. The lack of specifics has led to questions, even as the absence of regulatory triggers has prevented panic.

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From a broader perspective, analysts note that HDFC Bank’s core fundamentals remain intact. The bank continues to benefit from strong retail franchise, stable asset quality and long-term growth potential following its merger with HDFC.

While the benefits of the merger are still playing out, the institution remains one of the most closely tracked financial stocks in India, with valuation sensitivity often driving short-term price movements.

For now, the market appears to be pricing in a limited governance overhang without significantly altering the long-term thesis.

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Driving Investment and Trade in Malaysia & Indonesia

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Driving Investment and Trade in Malaysia & Indonesia

Malaysia and Indonesia are key Southeast Asian LNG exporters, with established infrastructure and growing opportunities, benefiting from regional demand and providing transportation advantages to Northeast Asian markets.

Malaysia and Indonesia: Key LNG Exporters in Southeast Asia

Malaysia and Indonesia are among Southeast Asia’s leading LNG exporters, supplying major energy importers across Northeast Asia for decades. Malaysia’s LNG industry is centered around substantial liquefaction facilities in Sarawak, while Indonesia’s exports are managed through major terminals in East Kalimantan and West Papua. These nations together hold a significant share of ASEAN’s LNG export capacity, playing a vital role in regional energy trade and ensuring regional energy security.

Investment Opportunities in the Regional LNG Sector

For international investors, Malaysia and Indonesia present unique opportunities. Malaysia’s market offers investments linked to its established export infrastructure, offshore gas production, and LNG trading operations. Conversely, Indonesia’s prospects are expanding, driven by new upstream gas discoveries, large-scale LNG projects, and rising domestic demand, which creates a dynamic environment for future growth and investment.

Growing Demand and Competitive Advantage in Asia

Both countries benefit from the rapid increase in global LNG supply and Asia’s growing demand. Southeast Asian LNG shipments, reaching Northeast Asia within three to six days, enjoy a transportation advantage over US Gulf Coast cargoes, which take 20-30 days. Malaysia exports around 26-27 million tonnes annually, while Indonesia exports approximately 15-16 million tonnes, mainly to Japan, China, and South Korea, reinforcing their strategic importance in the region’s energy landscape.

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Read the original article : ASEAN’s LNG Export Leaders: Investment and Energy Trade Opportunities in Malaysia and Indonesia

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