International News 13 October 2025
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Gold’s Historic 2025 Rally Signals Deep Investor Anxiety
The year 2025 marked an extraordinary surge for gold, with prices soaring more than 54% and briefly surpassing US$4,000 per ounce — the highest level since 1979. The rally reflects growing concerns over persistent inflation, economic uncertainty, a weaker U.S. dollar, and intensifying geopolitical risks worldwide. As investors sought refuge from volatile markets, gold reaffirmed its status as a safe-haven asset. Inflation in the U.S. has remained above the Federal Reserve’s 2% target for over four years, while repeated trade tariff hikes and government shutdowns disrupted economic stability and delayed crucial data releases. Meanwhile, central banks have fueled global demand by accelerating gold purchases to diversify reserves, a trend amplified since Russia’s sanctions in 2022. IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva emphasized that this behavior signals global resilience being tested. The decline of the U.S. dollar has also made gold more attractive for foreign investors. Hedge fund billionaire Ken Griffin described the movement as a “de-dollarization” shift — where gold is seen as safer than the dollar itself. Despite booming equity markets driven by AI-driven optimism, analysts like David Kotok note that stocks and gold now represent “two different rhythms”: one of growth enthusiasm, the other of anxiety and preservation.
Trump Orders Pentagon to Pay Troops During Shutdown, but Funding Source Unknown
As the U.S. government shutdown stretches into its 11th day, President Donald Trump announced he has instructed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to use “all available funds” to ensure military personnel are paid by October 15, invoking his role as commander-in-chief. However, Trump did not specify the funding source or total amount, leaving questions about legal authority and fiscal feasibility. The announcement follows continued deadlock in Congress over the 60 votes needed in the Senate for an appropriations bill. Democrats are leveraging the standoff to press for expansion of healthcare subsidies and other priorities, while Republicans control both chambers but lack sufficient support to pass the budget. With no end in sight to the shutdown, Trump has also begun executing his threat to terminate thousands of federal employees, escalating stakes in the political impasse.