Escalating U.S.-EU Trade Tensions Drive Gold Prices to Record Highs; Rubrik Inc. Surpasses Expectations | MarketReader Minute

Escalating U.S.-EU trade tensions spark inflation fears and drive gold prices to record highs, while UK GDP unexpectedly contracts amid declining industrial output.

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Friday, March 14

Noteworthy macro moves today: Bitcoin +2.8%. S&P 500 Index (US) +0.8%. Nasdaq 100 Index (US) +1.1%. Noteworthy US mega-cap moves today: JPMorgan Chase & Co (JPM) +0.9%. Visa Inc (V) +0.7%. Mastercard Inc (MA) +0.7%. 

Recent market movements are significantly influenced by escalating trade tensions, particularly stemming from U.S. President Donald Trump's threats of a 200% tariff on European wines and spirits in retaliation for EU tariffs on American whiskey. This aggressive stance has raised concerns about potential inflationary pressures and economic slowdown, contributing to increased demand for safe-haven assets like gold, which recently reached record highs above $3,000.

In the realm of economic data releases, the UK reported an unexpected contraction in GDP during January 2025 with a decline of 0.1%, contrary to expectations for growth; this downturn was compounded by significant drops in industrial production and manufacturing output. Meanwhile, Germany's annual inflation rate remained stable at 2.3% as food prices surged while energy costs fell—factors that could influence future monetary policy decisions within Europe.

Additionally, upcoming reports such as the University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index will be closely monitored due to their implications for consumer confidence amid these turbulent conditions; analysts expect sentiment may further deteriorate following recent trends indicating rising long-term inflation expectations—a situation likely weighing heavily upon investor outlooks across global markets.

Bitcoin (BTC/USD) [+2.8%]
Bitcoin (BTC/USD) has increased by 2.8% since Thursday. Gold prices have surged past the $3,000 mark amid escalating trade tensions and economic uncertainty, alongside expectations of a Federal Reserve rate cut due to slowing inflation. This backdrop has prompted discussions about Bitcoin's role as an alternative asset class during market volatility. Notably, the Trump administration has expressed intentions to acquire a significant amount of Bitcoin, highlighting potential government interest in the cryptocurrency. Social media conversations reflect that Bitcoin is currently down year-to-date, contrasting with gains in silver and gold, suggesting it may not behave as a safe haven asset. Additionally, Telegram has launched a self-custodial wallet on the TON blockchain that supports multi-asset trading, including Bitcoin, potentially enhancing accessibility for its extensive user base.

SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) [+0.5%]
Gold prices have reached a historic peak, surpassing the $3,000 mark for the first time. April gold contracts rose by 0.4%, while spot gold was reported at approximately $2,990.54 an ounce, with U.S. gold futures at around $3,004.20. This surge is attributed to ongoing trade war fears and expectations of a rate cut by the U.S. Federal Reserve. The SPDR Gold Trust's holdings increased to 905.81 metric tons, the highest level since August 2023. Strong demand for gold is bolstered by rising ETF inflows amid geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty. Social media discussions have highlighted significant movements in gold prices, noting central bank buying and economic fragility. Additionally, ANZ has reaffirmed a positive outlook on gold, projecting prices could reach $3,050 per ounce by 2025. Meanwhile, the S&P 500 Index has increased, reflecting broader market sentiment that may influence GLD.

RBRK | +18.6% | +2.2B
Rubrik Inc | Systems Software

Rubrik Inc reported its fourth-quarter financial results on March 13, 2025, revealing a narrower-than-expected loss of $(0.61) per share, surpassing the consensus estimate of $(0.80). Total revenue for the quarter reached $258.1 million, exceeding analyst expectations of $233.1 million. The company provided strong guidance for the first quarter of fiscal 2026, projecting revenue between $259 million and $261 million, well above the estimated $243.3 million. Additionally, Rubrik anticipates a full-year revenue range of $1.15 billion to $1.16 billion for fiscal 2026, also exceeding prior estimates. Following these announcements, shares rose significantly in after-hours trading. On social media, users highlighted Rubrik's performance, with revenue and earnings per share figures outperforming estimates and discussions centered around the company's growth potential in the cybersecurity sector.

RIO | +2.3% | +1.8B
Rio Tinto PLC | Diversified Metals & Mining

Rio Tinto PLC has experienced a price increase, aligning with the broader market's upward movement. This rise coincides with recent developments in the mining sector, where mining stocks have rebounded after three sessions of losses, driven by a recovery in iron ore prices. Notably, major players like BHP and Fortescue also recorded gains. Additionally, over 400 workers at Rio Tinto's Paraburdoo site have signed a petition requesting negotiations for a pay increase, reflecting ongoing labor discussions within the company. In related news, Wheaton Precious Metals Corp saw a rise following its Q4 earnings report, which, despite missing estimates, reported record revenue and a dividend increase. This performance may further influence movements in Rio Tinto shares.

GOLD | +1.6% | +535.2M
Barrick Gold Corp | Gold

Barrick Gold Corp (GOLD) has seen its price increase by 1.6% in the pre-market session, coinciding with a significant surge in gold prices, which recently reached the $3,000 per ounce mark. This spike is attributed to heightened risk aversion amid escalating trade tensions following U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff threats on European imports. Additionally, recent inflation data has strengthened expectations for Federal Reserve rate cuts, further enhancing gold's status as a safe-haven asset. Concurrently, Wheaton Precious Metals Corp (WPM) experienced a movement of 1.39% after reporting record revenue and cash flow, despite missing earnings expectations. This positive sentiment around Wheaton may also be influencing Barrick's recent price movement. Social media discussions highlight a current discount on physical gold, with suggestions that it may outperform digital alternatives, adding to the bullish sentiment surrounding gold assets.

WPM | +1.7% | +557.6M
Wheaton Precious Metals Corp | Gold

Wheaton Precious Metals Corp is experiencing a price increase, aligning with the broader market trend. The company reported Q4 adjusted EPS of 0.439, slightly below the consensus estimate of 0.44, while revenue reached 381 million, missing expectations of 382.57 million. Despite these shortfalls, Wheaton achieved record revenue and operating cash flow in 2024, driven by its diversified asset portfolio and exceeding production guidance. For FY25, the company projects production between 600,000 and 670,000 gold equivalent ounces, reflecting an anticipated year-over-year growth of approximately 10%. Additionally, Wheaton announced a quarterly dividend increase of 6.5% to 0.165 per share. Social media discussions highlighted these developments, particularly the record revenue and dividend increase, which may be influencing perceptions of the company's value.

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