The VIX remains subdued but deserves close attention. It often lags behind actual sentiment shifts — a spike here could precede broader selling. Smart money watches the VIX not as a signal to panic, but as a way to gauge risk appetite.
Gold’s continued strength, even as equities have rallied, signals that large investors are quietly hedging against systemic risk. Whether it’s inflation, currency instability, or geopolitical tension, the precious metal is acting as a silent alarm.
The tariff freeze is a relief — but temporary relief doesn’t solve structural issues. Trade war narratives are inherently cyclical. What we’re seeing now is a pause, not a resolution. Markets will price in the next move swiftly, and unpredictably.
