The Ultimate Guide to Investing in Gold and Energy Markets: How Trade Tensions and Tariffs Are Impacting Prices

Gold prices surged to a new record high this morning, driven by US President Donald Trump’s announcement of “permanent” 25% tariffs on auto imports. This move has intensified trade tensions and uncertainty in the market, leading to a 16% increase in gold prices year-to-date. The unpredictability of Trump’s trade policy has been a major factor influencing the gold market in 2025.

On the other hand, copper prices have retreated from their nine-month highs due to concerns about US tariffs on copper imports. These tariffs could be imposed sooner than expected, which is bearish for copper and other industrial metals. The market is also cautious about slowing growth and higher inflation, which could prompt the Federal Reserve to delay or increase interest rate cuts.

In the energy market, US natural gas prices are under pressure as inventories continue to rise. The recent increase in natural gas storage levels has surpassed expectations and the five-year average decline. Additionally, OPEC+ is set to gradually increase production, which could offset the production cuts that were implemented earlier.

Overall, the current market conditions are being influenced by trade tensions, tariffs, and production decisions by major players like OPEC. Investors should closely monitor these factors to make informed decisions about their investments in gold and energy markets.