L'intérêt à découvert pour SPDR Gold Trust donne aux investisseurs une idée du degré auquel les investisseurs parient sur la baisse de l'action de SPDR Gold Trust. Les données sur l'intérêt à découvert sont mises à jour toutes les deux semaines.

SPDR Gold Trust (ARCA:GLD), Rapport sur les intérêts à découvert

Basic Materials

The Trust holds gold bars and from time to time, issues Baskets in exchange for deposits of gold and distributes gold in connection with redemptions of Baskets. The investment objective of the Trust is for the Shares to reflect the performance of the price of gold bullion, less the Trusts expenses. The Sponsor believes that, for many investors, the Shares represent a cost-effective investment in gold.

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PowerShares DB US Dollar Index Bullish Fund

L&#39;inflation aux États-Unis a encore augmenté en mars, dépassant les attentes des économistes et décevant les investisseurs qui s&#39;attendaient à des réductions imminentes des taux d&#39;intérêt de la Fed.



Le taux

Inflation augmente plus que prévu à 3,5% en mars, anéantissant les espoirs de baisse des taux en juin.

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February's Consumer Price Index report released Wednesday came in cooler-than-expected and bolstered Wall Street's expectations for rate cuts in the months ahead. Here's a look at economists' reactions to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/25/03/44275575/wall-street-rockets-as-february-inflation-cools-more-than-expected">the latest inflation data.&nbsp;&nbsp;</a>
What To Know: Headline inflation eased slightly to 2.8% year-over-year, and core CPI, which strips out food and energy prices, slowed to 3.1%. Following the inflation print, traders fully priced in three Federal Reserve rate cuts in 2025, according to the CME FedWatch Tool.
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44277920/mortgage-applications-soar-as-rates-hit-lowest-level-since-october">Mortgage Applications Soar As Rates Hit Lowest Level Since October</a>
Expert Ideas: Bill Adams, chief economist for Comerica Bank, said that inflation is moving in the "right direction," making it more likely that the Fed will cut rates. Comerica forecasts a single 0.25% interest rate cut in 2025, likely occurring in July.
However, the Fed forecast is hazy given the uncertainty surrounding future Trump administration policies.&nbsp;
"The range of outcomes feels wider than usual given the unpredictability of the policies affecting prices and the job market," Adams said.&nbsp;
Chris Zaccarelli, chief investment officer for Northlight Asset Management, also highlighted the increased economic and geopolitical uncertainty and pointed to the lower rate of inflation, which allows the Fed to support a struggling economy with rate cuts if needed.
"If all of these policy changes lead to a weaker dollar, an increase in geopolitical uncertainty, and a loss of the exorbitant privilege of having the world&#8217;s reserve currency, then many of the lessons that investors have learned over the previous eight decades will need to be forgotten," Zaccarelli warned.&nbsp;
While markets were relieved with the cool inflation report on Wednesday, price increases following the pandemic have added up over the past five years. Charlie Bilello, chief market strategist for Creative Planning, featured a list on social media showing U.S. home prices up 52.3% and auto insurance 55.4% higher.
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Price Increases over last 5 years&#8230; CPI Medical Care: +12.3% CPI New Cars: +20.3% CPI Shelter: +26.6% CPI Food at home: +27.4% CPI Gasoline: +27.6% CPI Food away from home: +30.1% CPI Electricity: +32.7% CPI Used Cars: +35.1% CPI Transportation: +36.2% CPI Fuel Oil: +41.9% CPI…
&mdash; Charlie Bilello (@charliebilello) <a href="https://twitter.com/charliebilello/status/1899809167025516658?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
Market Reactions: U.S. markets were mixed in late morning trading with the SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>), tracking the S&amp;P 500, flat at $555.92 and the Invesco QQQ Trust (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>), tracking the Nasdaq 100, up 0.47% at $473.81.&nbsp;
The benchmark 10-year yield rose slightly to 4.29%. The SPDR Gold Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GLD#NYSE">GLD</a>), tracking the price of gold, rose 0.17% to $269.61.&nbsp;
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/market-summary/25/02/44015237/pending-home-sales-crash-to-record-low-jobless-claims-soar-wall-street-reacts">Pending Home Sales Crash To Record Low, Jobless Claims Soar: Wall Street Reacts</a></li>
</ul>
Image: Shutterstock

Inflation Moves In The 'Right Direction' But Forecast Is Hazy, Economist Says

On Tuesday, March 11, U.S. markets closed lower, extending steep losses amid escalating tariff threats from President Trump, which fueled concerns over a global economic slowdown.
The S&amp;P 500 briefly entered correction territory, down 10% from recent highs. Volatility was driven by mixed trade signals and geopolitical developments, including a potential Ukraine-Russia ceasefire and suspended Canadian energy surcharges.
In economic data, U.S. job openings unexpectedly rose by 232,000 to 7.74 million in January, up from a revised 7.51 million in December and surpassing the forecast of 7.63 million—signaling continued labor market strength amid broader economic uncertainty.
All 11 major S&amp;P sectors ended in the red, though technology and consumer discretionary—this year&#8217;s weakest performers—recorded the most modest losses.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 1.14% to close at 41,433.48, the S&amp;P 500 declined 0.76% to 5,572.07, while the Nasdaq Composite slipped 0.18% to 17,436.10.
Asia Markets Today
<ul>
<li>On Wednesday, Japan&#8217;s Nikkei 225 rose 0.03% to 36,782.50, led by gains in the Power, Rubber, Chemical, Petroleum, and plastic sectors.</li>
<li>Australia&#8217;s S&amp;P/ASX 200 was down 1.32%, closing at 7,786.20, led by losses in the Consumer Discretionary, Industrials and Financials sectors.</li>
<li>India&#8217;s Nifty 50 was down 0.16% at 22,462.00, and the Nifty 500 slid 0.24% to 20,255.50.</li>
<li>China&#8217;s Shanghai Composite declined 0.23% to 3,371.92, and the Shanghai Shenzhen CSI 300 fell 0.36% to 3,927.23.</li>
<li>Hong Kong&#8217;s Hang Seng slid 0.76%, ending the session at 23,600.31.</li>
</ul>
Eurozone at 05:45 AM ET
<ul>
<li>The European STOXX 50 was up 1.13%.</li>
<li>Germany&#8217;s DAX gained 1.55%.</li>
<li>France&#8217;s CAC rose 1.14%.</li>
<li>U.K.&#8217;s FTSE 100 index traded higher by 0.55%</li>
<li>European stocks rose as the EU announced retaliatory tariffs on U.S. imports. Sentiment was boosted by Ukraine ceasefire talks, a steady euro, and rising oil prices despite ongoing trade tensions.</li>
</ul>
Commodities at 05:45 AM ET
<ul>
<li>Crude Oil WTI was trading higher by 0.68% at $66.70/bbl, and Brent was up 0.63% at $70.00/bbl.</li>
<li>Oil prices edged higher Wednesday on a weaker dollar, though gains were capped by U.S. slowdown fears and tariff concerns.</li>
<li>Natural Gas declined 2.76% to $4.330.</li>
<li>Gold was trading higher by 0.06% at $2,922.21, Silver was up 0.94% to $33.458, and Copper gained 1.16% to $4.4215.</li>
<li>Gold held steady as investors awaited U.S. inflation data and weighed trade tensions. Trump&#8217;s metal tariffs took effect, but a proposed hike on Canadian imports was dropped. Copper rose on China stimulus hopes.</li>
</ul>
U.S. Futures at 05:45 AM ET
Dow futures were up 0.38%, S&amp;P 500 futures rose 0.56% and Nasdaq 100 futures gained 0.68%.
Forex at 05:45 AM ET
The U.S. dollar index gained 0.15% to 103.55, the USD/JPY rose 0.57% to 148.61, and the USD/AUD gained 0.15% to 1.5901.
Photo by Pavel Bobrovskiy via Shutterstock

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Asia Markets Down, Europe Advances, Gold Holds Steady - Global Markets Today While US Slept

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Shares of gold and silver stocks are trading higher amid a drop in the US dollar. Trade uncertainty may also be lifting safe-haven assets.

On Monday, March 10th, U.S. markets closed sharply lower as the ongoing stock sell-off intensified. Investor confidence was shaken by growing uncertainty around Trump&#8217;s tariff policies, recession fears, and the threat of a government shutdown.
Major tech stocks like Tesla and Nvidia continued to slide. With key inflation data ahead, Wall Street faces a sharp shift in sentiment amid rising economic and political risks.&nbsp;
Economic data showed that U.S. consumer inflation expectations for the year ahead rose to 3.1% in February, up from 3% over the previous three months.
Related: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/market-summary/25/03/44240991/nasdaq-100-to-enter-bear-territory-confirms-historical-trend-after-falling-over-3-5-not-the-best-sign-for-bulls-says-expert" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nasdaq 100 To Enter Bear Territory, Confirms Historical Trend After Falling Over 3.5%: &#8216;Not The Best Sign For Bulls,&#8217; Says Expert</a>
Most S&amp;P 500 sectors fell Monday, led by losses in consumer discretionary, tech, and communication services, while utilities and energy ended higher.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 2.08% to close at 41,911.71, the S&amp;P 500 declined 2.70% to 5,614.56, while the Nasdaq Composite plummeted 4.00% to 17,468.32.
President Trump sidestepped recession concerns in a Sunday Fox News interview and later with reporters. While denying an imminent downturn, he referenced a &#8220;period of transition&#8221; tied to tariffs and workforce cuts. Emphasizing long-term gains from his policies, he avoided making definitive comments about <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44222440/financial-crime-weekly" rel="noreferrer noopener">a possible 2025 recession</a>.
Asia Markets Today
<ul>
<li>On Tuesday, Japan&#8217;s Nikkei 225 fell 0.32% to 36,770.50, led by losses in the Shipbuilding, Manufacturing, and Services sectors.</li>
<li>Australia&#8217;s S&amp;P/ASX 200 was down 0.91%, closing at 7,890.10, led by losses in the IT, Gold and Industrials sectors.</li>
<li>India&#8217;s Nifty 50 was up 0.16% at 22,495.20, and the Nifty 500 gained 0.17% to 20,300.30.</li>
<li>China&#8217;s Shanghai Composite gained 0.41% to 3,379.83, and the Shanghai Shenzhen CSI 300 rose 0.32% to 3,941.42.</li>
<li>Hong Kong&#8217;s Hang Seng slid 0.01%, ending the session at 23,782.14.</li>
</ul>
Eurozone at 05:45 AM ET
<ul>
<li>The European STOXX 50 was up 0.39%.</li>
<li>Germany&#8217;s DAX gained 0.58%.</li>
<li>France&#8217;s CAC rose 0.32%.</li>
<li>Spain&#8217;s IBEX 35 traded lower by 0.11%</li>
<li>U.K.&#8217;s FTSE 100 index traded lower by 0.10%</li>
</ul>
Commodities at 05:45 AM ET
<ul>
<li>Crude Oil WTI was trading higher by 0.71% at $66.50/bbl, and Brent was up 0.75% at $69.80/bbl.</li>
<li>Oil prices inched higher Tuesday despite early losses amid recession fears, tariff uncertainty, and OPEC+ plans to raise supply.</li>
<li>Natural Gas gained 0.60% to $4.518.</li>
<li>Gold was trading higher by 0.56% at $2,915.69, Silver was up 1.28% to $32.943, and Copper gained 1.07% to $4.7160.</li>
<li>Gold prices rose in Asia as a weaker dollar and rising U.S. recession fears boosted safe-haven demand. </li>
</ul>
U.S. Futures at 05:45 AM ET
Dow futures were up 0.27%, S&amp;P 500 futures rose 0.33% and Nasdaq 100 futures gained 0.44%.
Forex at 05:45 AM ET
<ul>
<li>The U.S. Dollar Index slipped 0.54% to 103.37, USD/JPY was up 0.07% to 147.38, and USD/AUD declined 0.20% to 1.5893.</li>
<li>The yen hit a five-month high Tuesday as investors sought safety amid U.S. recession fears driven by Trump&#8217;s tariffs. U.S. stocks slumped, signaling slowing growth, while the dollar weakened against major currencies.</li>
</ul>
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44222440/financial-crime-weekly" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trump Says Economy Faces A &#8216;Period Of Transition&#8217;: Is A Recession Ahead?</a>
Image via Shutterstock

Asia And Europe Markets Mixed, Gold Jumps On Safe-Haven Demand - Global Markets Today While US Slept

<ul>
<li>TSLA</li>
<li>NVDA</li>
<li>MSTR</li>
<li>CORN</li>
<li>$BTC</li>
<li>WAR</li>
<li>EGGS</li>
<li>LUNR</li>
<li>GOOGL</li>
<li>GLD</li>
</ul>
Data from <a href="https://swaggystocks.com/dashboard/wallstreetbets/ticker-sentiment">https://swaggystocks.com/dashboard/wallstreetbets/ticker-sentiment</a>
&nbsp;

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On Friday, March 7th, U.S. markets closed higher after rebounding from early losses, following remarks by Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell that the economy remains &#8220;in a good place.&#8221; However, he cautioned against expecting rapid interest rate cuts, emphasizing a cautious approach.
Despite the late-week rally, persistent uncertainty over U.S. trade policy—especially concerning tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico, and China—contributed to the S&amp;P 500&#8217;s recording its worst weekly performance since September.
In economic data, February&#8217;s jobs report showed the U.S. added 151,000 jobs—up from January but below the 160,000 forecast. The unemployment rate unexpectedly rose to 4.1%, slightly above the 4.0% estimate.
Most S&amp;P 500 sectors rose Friday, led by utilities, tech, and energy, while consumer staples and financials declined.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.54% to close at 42,801.72, the S&amp;P 500 gained 0.55% to 5,770.20, and the Nasdaq Composite was up 0.70% to 18,196.22.
Asia Markets Today
<ul>
<li>On Monday, Japan&#8217;s Nikkei 225 gained 0.34% to 36,990.00, led by gains in the Power, Rubber and Chemical, Petroleum &amp; Plastic sectors.</li>
<li>Australia&#8217;s S&amp;P/ASX 200 rose 0.18%, closing at 7,962.30, led by gains in the Energy, Gold and Resources sectors.</li>
<li>India&#8217;s Nifty 50 was down 0.49% to 22,441.10, while the Nifty 500 slipped 1.02% to 20,234.80.</li>
<li>China&#8217;s Shanghai Composite declined 0.19% to 3,366.16, and the Shanghai Shenzhen CSI 300 fell 0.39% to 3,928.80.</li>
<li>Hong Kong&#8217;s Hang Seng fell 1.85%, ending the session at 23,783.49.</li>
</ul>
Eurozone at 06:00 AM ET
<ul>
<li>The European STOXX 50 was down 0.70%.</li>
<li>Germany&#8217;s DAX declined 0.71%.</li>
<li>France&#8217;s CAC fell 0.39%.</li>
<li>U.K.&#8217;s FTSE 100 index traded lower by 0.40%</li>
</ul>
Commodities at 06:00 AM ET
<ul>
<li>Crude Oil WTI was trading higher by 0.27% at $67.22/bbl, and Brent was up 0.28% at $70.57/bbl.</li>
<li>Oil prices steadied Monday amid tariff uncertainty, rising OPEC+ output, and weak global demand. WTI marked its seventh weekly loss, while Brent fell for a third straight week.</li>
<li>Natural Gas gained 4.35% to $4.588.</li>
<li>Gold was trading higher by 0.06% at $2,915.81, Silver was up 0.64% to $33.020, and Copper slipped 0.62% to $4.6805.</li>
</ul>
U.S. Futures at 06:00 AM ET
<ul>
<li>Dow futures were down 0.80%, S&amp;P 500 futures fell 1.00% and Nasdaq 100 futures slid 1.15%.</li>
<li>U.S. stock futures fell Monday amid tariff uncertainty, recession fears, and weak Chinese inflation data.</li>
</ul>
Forex at 06:00 AM ET
The U.S. Dollar Index slipped 0.14% to 103.70, USD/JPY was down 0.64% to 147.08, and USD/AUD declined 0.30% to 1.5811.
Photo via Shutterstock

Asia Market Mixed, Europe Dips; US Futures Slide On Slowdown Fears - Global Markets Today While US Slept

The February jobs report from the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, released Friday, showed a moderate increase in employment and also a slight increase in <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/econ-s">the unemployment rate. </a>
The U.S. economy added 151,000 jobs in February, up from a downwardly revised 125,000 in January, but below expectations of 160,000, as tracked by Trading Economics. The unemployment rate ticked unexpectedly higher to 4.1%, above the 4.0% expected. 
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/econ-s/25/03/44143666/us-services-sector-unexpectedly-expands-in-february-despite-slowing-job-growth">US Services Sector Unexpectedly Expands In February Despite Slowing Job Growth</a>&nbsp;
Unemployed individuals increased by 203,000 to 7.05 million, while employment declined by 588,000 to 163.31 million. The labor force participation rate fell to 62.4%, while the employment-population ratio dipped to 59.9%. 
Employment trended up in health care, financial activities, transportation and warehousing and social assistance. Federal government employment declined, possibly reflecting initial DOGE cuts.&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Employment increased in health care (+52,000), financial activities (+21,000), transportation and warehousing (+18,000), and social assistance (+11,000).</li>
<li>Federal government employment declined by 10,000.</li>
<li>Average hourly earnings for all employees increased by 0.3% to $35.93, representing a 4.0% increase over the past 12 months.</li>
<li>The average workweek remained unchanged at 34.1 hours</li>
</ul>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Market Reactions</h3>
Futures on major U.S. indices rose following the release of the jobs report.&nbsp;
The SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>), tracking the S&amp;P 500, was up 0.11% at $573.35 and the Invesco QQQ Trust (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>), tracking the Nasdaq 100 index, was up 0.29% at $489.60 in premarket trading.&nbsp;
The iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TLT#NASDAQ">TLT</a>) was 0.5% higher in premarket trading.
Gold, which is tracked by the SPDR Gold Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GLD#NYSE">GLD</a>), climbed above $2,920 per ounce, approaching record highs.&nbsp;
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/market-summary/25/02/44015237/pending-home-sales-crash-to-record-low-jobless-claims-soar-wall-street-reacts">Pending Home Sales Crash To Record Low, Jobless Claims Soar: Wall Street Reacts</a></li>
</ul>
Image generated using artificial intelligence via MidJourney.

Equities

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Econ #s

iShares Trust Barclays 20+ Year Treasury Bond Fund

Unemployment Rate Ticks Higher In February, US Economy Adds Fewer Jobs Than Expected

The SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>) has long been the go-to choice for investors wanting broad exposure to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs">the U.S. stock market</a>. 
But as markets gyrate with fresh economic and geopolitical developments, and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/etf">alternative ETFs gain traction</a>, is SPY still the best bet for your portfolio? Let's break it down.
SPY — a passively managed ETF that aims to mirror the performance of the S&amp;P 500 Index — boasts a massive asset base of over $619.47 billion. That makes it the largest ETF of its kind.
Large-cap companies are those with market capitalizations above $10 billion. They tend to be stable and generate consistent cash flows. This makes SPY a relatively less risky investment than mid- or small-cap ETFs. 
As a blend ETF, it holds a mix of growth and value stocks, making it a balanced choice for investors looking for diversification.
Also Read: <a href="https://in.benzinga.com/25/03/44074852/sp-500-correction-overdue-will-the-markets-sideways-dance-turn-into-a-tumble-focus-on-balance-and-diversification-recommends-analyst">S&amp;P 500 Correction &#8216;Overdue:&#8217; Will The Market&#8217;s &#8216;Sideways&#8217; Movement Turn Into A Tumble? &#8216;Focus On Balance And Diversification,&#8217; Says Analyst</a>
SPY&#8217;s underlying index, the S&amp;P 500, is composed of the largest publicly traded U.S. companies. It spans 25-plus industries.
So far in 2025, SPY is down 1.04%, but it has gained 13.5% over the past year, as of March 6, 10.38 a.m. EST.
In terms of risk, SPY has a beta of 1, making it a medium-risk investment whose performance is at par with broader market movements.
SPY has its largest exposure to the Information Technology sector, which makes up around 30.10% of the portfolio. Financials and Healthcare are the next two largest sectors.
The fund&#8217;s top 10 holdings account for about 36% of total assets. Therefore, a significant portion of its performance is tied to these top holdings: Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>), 7.18%; Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>), 6.01%; and Nvidia Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>), 5.8%.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs/broad-u-s-equity-etfs/25/01/43354861/vanguards-voo-set-to-overtake-spy-as-worlds-largest-etf-after-record-january-inflows">Vanguard&#8217;s VOO Set To Overtake SPY As World&#8217;s Largest ETF After Record January Inflows</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">SPY's Challenged Leadership</h2>
After holding the title of the world's largest ETF for 32 years, SPY briefly lost its crown mid-February to the Vanguard S&amp;P 500 ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VOO#NYSE">VOO</a>), according to ETF.com. While SPY has since reclaimed the top spot, analysts believe it may not hold onto it for much longer, given the growing momentum in other ETFs. Back in 2011, the SPDR Gold Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GLD#NYSE">GLD</a>) momentarily surpassed SPY. However, a better comparison with SPY will be VOO as it offers identical exposure to SPY but at a much lower cost, giving it a major competitive edge.
Some experts even suggest SPY could fall to third place behind iShares Core S&amp;P 500 ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IVV#NYSE">IVV</a>) later this year if trends persist, according to a report by ETF.com.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Why Costs Matter</h2>
When choosing an ETF, cost is a crucial factor. The good news? SPY is an affordable option, with an annual expense ratio of just 0.09%. Over the long run, lower fees can make a big difference in your overall returns. The fund also offers a trailing 12-month dividend yield of 1.22%, adding a layer of income potential for investors. However, VOO and IVV both offer a similar strategy at a much lower expense ratio of 0.03%, which are driving some investors to them. 
SPY has dominated the ETF market for decades, and its size and liquidity make it hard to ignore. But as investors become more cost-conscious, rivals like IVV and VOO are giving it stiff competition. If you prioritize liquidity and ease of trading, SPY remains a solid choice. However, if you&#8217;re focused on minimizing expenses, you might want to explore alternatives.
Read Next: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs/broad-u-s-equity-etfs/25/03/44165367/how-to-ride-out-market-turbulence-with-these-5-low-beta-etfs">How To Ride Out Market Turbulence With These 5 Low-Beta ETFs</a></li>
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Image: Shutterstock

AAPL

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SPY ETF Has Ruled For Decades, But Is It Still The Best Bet?

<ul>
<li>TSLA</li>
<li>NVDA</li>
<li>MSTR</li>
<li>LUNR</li>
<li>WAR</li>
<li>BABA</li>
<li>GLD</li>
<li>CORN</li>
<li>AMD</li>
<li>WEN</li>
</ul>
Data From <a href="https://swaggystocks.com/dashboard/wallstreetbets/ticker-sentiment">https://swaggystocks.com/dashboard/wallstreetbets/ticker-sentiment</a>
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BABA

Top 10 Trending Stocks On WallStreetBets As Of March 6, 2025 (Via Swaggy Stocks)

The stock market has been under pressure due to a combination of economic slowdown fears, trade war tensions, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/econ-s/25/02/44041803/federal-reserves-preferred-inflation-gauge-marks-first-slowdown-in-4-months">and inflationary concerns</a>. 
Ongoing <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/tariffs">tariff escalations between major economies</a> have disrupted global supply chains, while rising costs and slowing business activity have led to market uncertainty. Investors looking to protect their portfolios from excessive volatility may find <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/etf">low-beta ETFs</a> a practical choice.
Investing in low-beta ETFs can be a smart strategy for those looking to stay in the market while minimizing risk. Beta is a measure of an asset's volatility relative to the market. A beta of less than 1 means the asset is less volatile than the broader market, providing stability during downturns. Here are five low-beta ETFs that can offer protection in uncertain times.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/25/03/44108913/tariffs-trump-tumult-how-to-trade-this-volatility-vix-surge">Tariffs, Trump, Tumult: How To Trade The Volatility Surge</a>
Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BND#NASDAQ">BND</a>)
<ul>
<li>Beta: 0.20, YTD Price Return: 3%</li>
<li>This ETF provides broad exposure to the U.S. bond market, covering government, corporate, and mortgage-backed securities. Bonds are generally considered safer than stocks, and with a low beta of 0.20, BND offers stability while still delivering a modest return. It is an excellent option for investors seeking income and capital preservation.</li>
</ul>
SPDR Gold Shares (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GLD#NYSE">GLD</a>)
<ul>
<li>Beta: 0.19 YTD Price Return: 10%</li>
<li>Gold is often seen as a safe-haven asset during market downturns, and the SPDR Gold Shares ETF provides direct exposure to the precious metal. With a low beta of 0.19, GLD tends to hold its value or even appreciate when equities struggle. This makes it an ideal hedge against economic and geopolitical uncertainties.</li>
</ul>
Vanguard Total International Bond ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BNDX#NASDAQ">BNDX</a>)
<ul>
<li>Beta: 0.18 &#x7C; YTD Return: 1%</li>
<li>For investors looking to diversify globally, the Vanguard Total International Bond ETF offers exposure to investment-grade bonds outside the U.S. With a beta of just 0.18, this ETF minimizes risk while providing stability through international fixed-income securities. It's a solid choice for those seeking to balance their portfolio with low-volatility assets.</li>
</ul>
Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VCIT#NASDAQ">VCIT</a>)
<ul>
<li>Beta: 0.34 YTD Price Return: 2.8%</li>
<li>VCIT focuses on intermediate-term corporate bonds, offering a mix of safety and better yields than government bonds. Its beta of 0.34 is slightly higher than the others on this list, but being below 1, it still provides lower volatility compared to equity investments. This ETF is suitable for those looking for relatively stable income with moderate risk.</li>
</ul>
iShares National Muni Bond ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MUB#NYSE">MUB</a>)
<ul>
<li>Beta: 0.18 YTD Price Return: 1%</li>
<li>Municipal bonds (munis) are known for their tax advantages and stability. The iShares National Muni Bond ETF invests in a diversified portfolio of U.S. municipal bonds, offering a low beta of 0.18. It is a great option for investors who want low-tax income with minimal exposure to market swings.</li>
</ul>
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs/broad-u-s-equity-etfs/25/03/44085268/market-mayhem-5-etfs-that-soared-amid-volatility-last-week">Market Mayhem: 5 ETFs That Soared Amid Volatility Last Week</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Why Consider Low-Beta ETFs?</h2>
The stock market has been highly volatile in recent times, driven by trade war tensions and economic slowdown fears. The ongoing <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/03/44116300/how-companies-are-tweaking-products-to-cut-trumps-tariff-costs">tariff escalations</a> between the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and China have led to price hikes on various goods and have disrupted global supply chains. This turbulence has made it challenging for investors to navigate the market.
Low-beta ETFs exhibit greater stability than market-sensitive assets and tend to lose less when the market declines. Though they offer lower returns compared to high-beta stocks, their defensive nature makes them a reliable choice during economic uncertainty.
Read Next: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs/sector-etfs/25/03/44153070/auto-etfs-surge-on-trumps-tariff-reprieve-but-uncertainty-looms">Auto ETFs Surge On Trump&#8217;s Tariff Reprieve, But Uncertainty Looms</a></li>
</ul>
Image: Shutterstock

BNDX

iShares S&P National AMT-Free Municipal Bond Fund

VCIT

How To Ride Out Market Turbulence With These 5 Low-Beta ETFs

Benzinga is pleased to announce the conclusion of our highly anticipated debate on the topic:&nbsp;
Gold vs. Bitcoin: Which is the better reserve asset and why?
Our contributors truly rose to the occasion, offering thought-provoking perspectives and compelling arguments throughout the discussion. This engaging exchange has provided valuable insights into the strengths and challenges of both assets, sparking meaningful dialogue about their roles in the future of financial strategy.&nbsp;
Participants:
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/dr-john-sinclair">Dr. John Alexander Sinclair</a>: The founder of Positive Trends Research and the director of Options &amp; Derivatives Education.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/julia-mindmoney-eu">Julia Khandoshko</a>: The CEO of Mind Money, a leading European investment technology and financial engineering hub.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/kadan-stadelmann">Kadan Stadelmann</a>: The Chief Technology Officer, Komodo Platform, a blockchain developer, and operations security expert.&nbsp;
Read on for a comprehensive summary of the debate and the key takeaways that emerged.
Gold Vs. Bitcoin: Which Is The Better Reserve Asset And Why? Experts Weigh In
The recent announcement of government-backed crypto reserves by President Trump has sparked significant debate about the future of digital currencies as reserve assets and Bitcoin's viability as a reserve asset is an evolving theme in the discussion.
Bitcoin is long seen as a hedge against inflation but its price volatility has hindered its adoption as a stable reserve asset.
With the introduction of crypto reserves by the U.S. Government &#8211; Bitcoin&#8217;s legitimacy could be enhanced in the global economy. But will this make Bitcoin a safer reserve asset, or will its volatility continue to undermine its reliability? A new administration in four years could possibly dissolve the crypto reserve, so what are the guarantees?
On the other hand, Gold has maintained its status as the cornerstone of global reserves due to its stability, limited supply, and intrinsic value. But the shiny, yellow metal does have significant drawbacks when used as a reserve asset, including limited growth potential, lack of income generation, and vulnerability to theft among other concerns.
Senator Cynthia Lummis has proposed legislation aimed at leveraging gold certificates stored in the Federal Reserve&#8217;s 12 banks to finance future bitcoin purchases. So, is selling gold to buy Bitcoin a good idea?
We turned to our contributors for opinions and analysis. They rose to the challenge with their nuanced perspectives…
John Alexander Sinclair sees Bitcoin as a stronger reserve asset. While acknowledging Gold&#8217;s historical role as a store of value, Dr. Sinclair cites its physical limitations—transport, storage, and divisibility—that contrast sharply with Bitcoin's advantages in a digital world.
"Bitcoin is decentralized, portable, and censorship-resistant, making it an ideal hedge against financial instability and government intervention. Unlike gold, Bitcoin can be moved globally in seconds, providing a level of liquidity unmatched by any other asset," argues&nbsp;Sinclair.&nbsp;
Julia Khandoshko perceives Bitcoin as a high-potential but dependent asset. "It is a relatively new asset class that has shown remarkable growth and volatility. Bitcoin's decentralization and fixed supply make it an attractive option for those looking to escape traditional monetary policies. But Bitcoin's value is deeply intertwined with technological trends, regulatory decisions, and macroeconomic factors such as interest rate policies. Its price swings are often dictated by investor sentiment, regulatory developments, and broader economic factors."&nbsp;
Sinclair affirms that volatility concerns with bitcoin are valid, but he also points out that Bitcoin has survived multiple bear markets and consistently rebounded stronger. "Institutional adoption continues to grow, with major financial firms integrating Bitcoin into their portfolios. The emergence of spot Bitcoin ETFs has further legitimized its status as a mainstream asset."
Now, the introduction of crypto reserves further solidifies Bitcoin's position and credibility.&nbsp;
Kadan Stadelmann likes the idea of a bitcoin reserve, just not in isolation though. "The United States stockpiles strategic assets like gold, which bolster financial stability. The petroleum reserves safeguard against economic shocks. A Strategic Bitcoin Reserve is the same idea, but in the digital realm. It could act as a financial hedge. Like the gold reserve, it could help support the U.S. Dollar."
And, Stadelmann is against selling gold to accumulate Bitcoin. "It's not a sound strategy. Substituting Bitcoin for gold at the nation-state level is a very risky prospect. Bitcoin is digital gold. Gold is physical gold. Each serves its own purpose. The Bitcoin Reserve should not replace the U.S.' gold stockpile. Instead, it should diversify the U.S.' balance sheet alongside gold."
Julia Khandoshko agrees with Stadelmann's viewpoint. "Investors need to understand that buying Bitcoin is not just acquiring a digital commodity; it's an investment in a system that is influenced by multiple external forces, including institutional adoption, regulatory stances, and market speculation. On the other hand, gold is a timeless and independent asset. Its independence from financial systems makes it an unparalleled hedge against inflation and economic crises. In contrast to gold's stability, Bitcoin's performance is more akin to that of a high-growth technology stock."
Khandoshko leans towards gold. "Unlike fiat currencies or other financial instruments, gold does not rely on external policies, government regulations, or market sentiment. It is simply gold—an asset that does not require investors to track political developments, interest rate decisions, or macroeconomic policies."
But Sinclair is quick to cite Bitcoin's added advantage of transparency. "Every transaction is verifiable on the blockchain, reducing risks associated with gold reserves, which can be manipulated or rehypothecated. Moreover, Bitcoin's scarcity—capped at 21 million coins—mirrors gold's limited supply."
How does Khandoshko view Bitcoin as a reserve asset?
She thinks that Bitcoin's potential as a reserve asset depends on how investors perceive its role in the financial ecosystem. "While some argue that it represents the future of digital wealth storage, others see it as a speculative asset influenced by unpredictable external factors. Gold, on the other hand, continues to be a universal standard of value that requires no external validation."
So, does she consider gold a better reserve asset compared to Bitcoin?
Khandoshko responds in the affirmative, "While Bitcoin may offer impressive growth opportunities, gold remains a steadfast store of value that does not rely on economic policies or market trends. For those seeking a truly independent asset, gold still holds the upper hand in 2025."
To Sinclair, Bitcoin remains the most compelling choice, as nations and corporations look for a digital alternative to traditional reserves.
And Stadelmann believes that "From a geopolitical perspective, the US should look to dominate the sound money space in both the physical and digital realms by maintaining its gold reserves while adding a Bitcoin Reserve."

Coverage of Bitcoin, Etherum, Ripple and all the latest digital currencies.

Cryptocurrency

Opinion

Federal Reserve

Exclusives

A Benzinga Debate On Federal Reserve Assets: Our Contributors Speak On Gold, Bitcoin

<ul>
<li>TSLA</li>
<li>NVDA</li>
<li>WAR</li>
<li>EGGS</li>
<li>MSTR</li>
<li>ADP</li>
<li>GLD</li>
<li>JD</li>
<li>LUNR</li>
<li>CORN</li>
</ul>
Data from <a href="https://swaggystocks.com/dashboard/wallstreetbets/ticker-sentiment">https://swaggystocks.com/dashboard/wallstreetbets/ticker-sentiment</a>
&nbsp;

Top 10 Trending Stocks On WallStreetBets As Of March 5, 2025 (Via Swaggy Stocks)

Gold is trading higher amid market weakness due to tariff risks, which may be prompting investors to gravitate towards the safe haven asset.

The stock market just got a fresh jolt of turbulence, and traders are buckling up for more. Monday's rollercoaster session saw the S&amp;P 500 index wipe out a staggering $1.5 trillion in value as trade war fears reignited. 
ETFs tracking the index closed lower: the SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>) closed lower by 1.75% while the Vanguard S&amp;P 500 ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VOO#NYSE">VOO</a>) and the iShares Core S&amp;P 500 ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IVV#NYSE">IVV</a>) were down 1.72% on Monday close.
Related: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/social-media/25/03/44098232/markets-tank-after-trump-confirms-more-tariffs-heres-what-wall-street-is-saying">Markets Tank After Trump Confirms More Tariffs: Here&#8217;s What Wall Street Is Saying</a>
With tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China ramping up, volatility is officially back in business. The VIX has surged over 33% over the past month:
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="696" height="449" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/04062926/Screenshot-2025-03-04-at-4.59.09-PM.png" alt="" class="wp-image-807881" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/04062926/Screenshot-2025-03-04-at-4.59.09-PM.png 696w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/04062926/Screenshot-2025-03-04-at-4.59.09-PM-300x194.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 696px) 100vw, 696px" /></figure>
Chart source: <a href="https://www.google.com/finance/quote/VIX:INDEXCBOE?sa=X&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiiwuP0qPCLAxV0Q2cHHSTZBhcQ3ecFegQIMhAX&amp;window=1M">Google Finance</a>
But for investors, chaos breeds opportunity &#8211; if you know how to play it.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">1. The VIX Is Screaming &#8211; Use It</h2>
The Cboe Volatility Index ($VIX) is Wall Street's fear gauge, and when it spikes, traders take notice. With uncertainty surging, options-based strategies become lucrative. 
Investors can hedge against further market swings with the ProShares Ultra VIX Short-Term Futures ETF (BATS:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UVXY#BATS">UVXY</a>) or the iPath Series B S&amp;P 500 VIX Short-Term Futures ETN (BATS:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VXX#BATS">VXX</a>). 
But beware—these are short-term tools, not long-term holds.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">2. Play Defense With Broad Market ETFs</h2>
When markets get rocky, smart money often rotates into low-volatility and defensive plays. 
The Invesco S&amp;P 500 Low Volatility ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPLV#NYSE">SPLV</a>) offers exposure to less turbulent stocks, while the iShares MSCI USA Minimum Volatility ETF (BATS:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/USMV#BATS">USMV</a>) helps cushion the downside. 
For those who expect more fireworks but want to stay long equities, the SPY remains a solid way to ride out the storm.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">3. Don't Fight The Tape &#8211; Trade Trends</h2>
With uncertainty swirling, trend-following strategies gain an edge. Investors looking for short-term gains might consider the ProShares Short S&amp;P 500 ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SH#NYSE">SH</a>) for bearish exposure or the ProShares UltraPro Short S&amp;P 500 ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPXU#NYSE">SPXU</a>) for amplified downside bets. 
Meanwhile, gold, often a safe-haven asset, is seeing renewed interest through ETFs like SPDR Gold Shares (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GLD#NYSE">GLD</a>).
With Trump hinting at more "big" announcements by Wednesday night, expect the volatility train to keep rolling. The question isn't whether markets will move &#8211; it's whether you're ready to trade the storm.
Read Next: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/bonds/25/03/44096578/leon-cooperman-says-he-likes-cash-calls-trumps-deficit-cutting-contractionary">Leon Cooperman Says He Likes Cash, Calls Trump&#8217;s Deficit Cutting &#8216;Contractionary&#8217;</a></li>
</ul>
Image via Shutterstock

Long Ideas

Macro Economic Events

Economics

PowerShares S&P 500 Low Volatility Portfolio

SPLV

SPXU

USMV

UVXY

Barclays Bank iPath S&P 500 VIX Short-Term Futures ETN

Tariffs, Trump, Tumult: How To Trade The Volatility Surge

<ul>
<li>NVDA</li>
<li>TSLA</li>
<li>WAR</li>
<li>CORN</li>
<li>AMD</li>
<li>EGGS</li>
<li>LUNR</li>
<li>QQQ</li>
<li>GLD</li>
<li>AAPL</li>
</ul>
Data from <a href="https://swaggystocks.com/dashboard/wallstreetbets/ticker-sentiment">https://swaggystocks.com/dashboard/wallstreetbets/ticker-sentiment</a>
&nbsp;

Top 10 Trending Stocks On WallStreetBets As Of March 4, 2025 (Via Swaggy Stocks)

On Monday, March 3rd, U.S. markets closed sharply lower after Trump announced 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico, with the S&amp;P 500 seeing its worst drop since December. Stocks had already slipped after an ISM survey showed declining manufacturing PMI. Investors, expecting a delay, reacted as markets priced in the tariff impact.
Related: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/social-media/25/03/44098232/markets-tank-after-trump-confirms-more-tariffs-heres-what-wall-street-is-saying" rel="noreferrer noopener">Markets Tank After Trump Confirms More Tariffs: Here&#8217;s What Wall Street Is Saying</a>
The New Orders Index contracted to 48.6%, while the Production Index expanded to 50.7%. Prices surged to 62.4% due to tariff-driven costs. Employment fell to 47.6%, indicating workforce reductions. New Export Orders dipped to 51.4%, while Imports rose to 52.6%.
Most S&amp;P 500 sectors fell, led by tech, energy, and consumer discretionary stocks, while real estate and consumer staples gained.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 1.348% to close at 43,191.24, the S&amp;P 500 declined 1.76% to 5,849.72, and the Nasdaq Composite was down 2.64% to 18,350.19.
Asia Markets Today
<ul>
<li>On Tuesday, Japan&#8217;s Nikkei 225 declined 1.34% to 37,318.50, led by losses in the Fishery, Transportation Equipment, and Chemical sectors.</li>
<li>Australia&#8217;s S&amp;P/ASX 200 slid 0.58%, closing at 8,198.10, led by losses in the Energy, Utilities and Resources sectors.</li>
<li>India&#8217;s Nifty 50 was down 0.18% to 22,080.30, led by losses in the Auto, Technology, and Fast-Moving Consumer Goods sectors, while the Nifty 500 gained 0.06% to 19,909.40.</li>
<li>China&#8217;s Shanghai Composite gained 0.22% to 3,324.21, and the Shanghai Shenzhen CSI 300 fell 0.08% to 3,885.22.</li>
<li>Hong Kong&#8217;s Hang Seng fell 0.28%, ending the session at 22,941.77.</li>
</ul>
Eurozone at 05:30 AM ET
<ul>
<li>The European STOXX 50 was down 1.85%.</li>
<li>Germany&#8217;s DAX declined 1.98%.</li>
<li>France&#8217;s CAC fell 1.14%.</li>
<li>U.K.&#8217;s FTSE 100 index traded lower by 0.29%</li>
</ul>
Commodities at 05:30 AM ET
<ul>
<li>Crude Oil WTI was trading lower by 0.80% at $67.82/bbl, and Brent was down 1.10% at $70.82/bbl.</li>
<li>Oil prices fell as OPEC+ confirmed an April output hike, and U.S. tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China took effect, prompting retaliatory measures. Trump&#8217;s pause on Ukraine aid also raised speculation of potential Russian sanctions relief, further pressuring crude markets.</li>
<li>Natural Gas declined 0.46% to $4.102.</li>
<li>Gold was trading higher by 0.80% at $2,924.29, Silver was up 0.47% to $32.465, and Copper slipped 1.62% to $4.5322.</li>
</ul>
U.S. Futures at 05:30 AM ET
Dow futures were down 0.15%, S&amp;P 500 futures fell 0.16% and Nasdaq 100 futures slid 0.04%.
Forex at 05:30 AM ET
<ul>
<li>The U.S. Dollar Index slipped 0.26% to 106.27, USD/JPY was down 0.43% to 148.85, and USD/AUD rose 0.02% to 1.6069.</li>
<li>The U.S. dollar fell Tuesday amid trade tensions and economic slowdown fears despite new tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China.</li>
<li>Trump&#8217;s <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/03/44092335/trumps-tariffs-threaten-canada-mexico-china-and-american-wallets" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">25% tariffs</a> on Canada and Mexico and increased duties on Chinese goods took effect, triggering retaliatory measures. China imposed new tariffs and restrictions, while Canada and Mexico planned countermeasures. Markets reacted negatively, fearing economic disruptions, rising costs, and recession risks. Trump&#8217;s aggressive trade policies continue reshaping global commerce.</li>
</ul>
Photo via Shutterstock

Asia And Europe Markets Decline; Oil Falls As OPEC+ Confirms Output Hike - Global Markets Today While US Slept

Gold and silver are trading higher amid a drop in the US dollar index.

Senior Advisor to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/donald-trump">President Donald Trump</a>, Elon Musk, made headline-grabbing statements on The Joe Rogan Experience on Friday, describing the U.S. as a ‘poorly managed business.' The Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) CEO criticized government policies and cautioned that <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/artificial-intelligence">AI is advancing</a> at an unprecedented pace.
From calling Social Security a &#8220;Ponzi scheme&#8221; to discussing Fort Knox's gold reserves and media influence, Musk's unfiltered insights from the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sSOxPJD-VNo&amp;t=10092s">interview </a>raise concerns—but investors may want to take note.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Challenge Of National Debt</h2>
Musk argued that America's $1 trillion annual interest payments on its national debt are unsustainable. He compared the system to a business that relies heavily on debt while discouraging innovation. He also warned that excessive money printing may provide short-term relief but could lead to long-term economic consequences.
For investors concerned about inflation, some may look to hedging strategies. Gold ETFs, such as SPDR Gold Shares (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GLD#NYSE">GLD</a>), have seen increased interest amid economic uncertainty.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44069535/anthropic-ceo-dario-amodei-pushes-for-stronger-us-ai-safeguards-saying-autocracies-like-china-and-russia-could-use-ai-to-expand-their-power">Jeff Bezos-Backed Anthropic Pushes For Stronger US AI Safeguards, Saying Autocracies Like China, Russia Could Use AI To Expand Their Power: &#8216;Some Very Dark Possbilities&#8217;</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">AI Is Moving Faster Than You Think</h2>
Musk said that automation is advancing at an exponential rate, and the companies leading the AI race will dominate the future economy. From self-driving cars to automated customer service and even AI-driven medical diagnoses, entire industries will be disrupted.
The Tesla CEO believes that even traditionally "safe" white-collar jobs—lawyers, accountants, and analysts—could be replaced faster than expected.
The key question is who stands to gain. AI-driven companies like Nvidia Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) and Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) are already seeing explosive growth, with ETFs like the Global X Robotics &amp; Artificial Intelligence ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BOTZ#NYSE">BOTZ</a>) and the Global X Artificial Intelligence &amp; Technology ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AIQ#NYSE">AIQ</a>) offering exposure to the AI revolution.
But Musk has also warned that regulation is lagging. If AI advances without oversight, it could become an unpredictable force, reshaping societies in ways that remain uncertain.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Wealth, Power, and Systemic Concerns</h2>
Musk has criticized what he refers to as "The Matrix," suggesting that societal structures keep people distracted while wealth and power concentrate at the top. He pointed to repeated financial mismanagement in government agencies, noting that some fail audits without facing significant consequences. 
As an example, he cited a case where an agency received $12 billion for submarines, yet no submarines were built, raising concerns about accountability and oversight.
Additionally, he compared the rise of speculative investments, such as meme coins, to legalized gambling. His remarks highlight broader debates about government efficiency, financial regulation, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44069228/elon-mu">and wealth distribution.</a>
For investors, this suggests a cautious approach, prioritizing long-term value over speculative trends. Broad market ETFs, such as the SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>) and the Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VTI#NYSE">VTI</a>), provide diversified exposure to the overall market. Some investors also consider AI-related assets and gold as potential hedges against economic uncertainty.
Read Next: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44070216/billionaire-investor-howard-marks-warns-against-ais-powerful-novelty-and-fomo-as-nvidia-other-ai-linked-stocks-tumble-in-2025-this-is-the-kind-of-enthusiasm-that-sometimes-leads-to-bubbles">Billionaire Investor Howard Marks Warns Against AI&#8217;s &#8216;Powerful&#8217; Novelty And FOMO As Nvidia, Other AI-Linked Stocks Tumble In 2025: Says This Enthusiasm &#8216;Sometimes Leads To Bubbles&#8217;</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Alessia Pierdomenico/Shutterstock.com

Interview

BOTZ

Musk Criticizes US Debt, Economic Policies: 'A Poorly Managed Business'

On Friday, February 28, U.S. markets closed higher after a volatile session, with tech stocks rising despite a dip in Dell. A heated exchange between President Donald Trump and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy at the White House added uncertainty over Ukraine, briefly unsettling markets.
Meanwhile, inflation data met expectations, but weak consumer spending fueled concerns about stagflation and Federal Reserve policy. The Federal Reserve&#8217;s key inflation measure slowed in January, with headline PCE rising 2.5% year-over-year, down from 2.6% in December, while core PCE increased 2.6%. Monthly PCE inflation rose 0.3%, and personal income surged 0.9%, exceeding forecasts. Food prices climbed 0.3%, energy costs eased, and the personal savings rate increased to 4.6%.
All 11 S&amp;P 500 sectors ended higher, with information technology, financials, and consumer discretionary stocks leading the gains.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.39% to close at 43,840.91, the S&amp;P 500 gained 1.59% to 5,954.50, and the Nasdaq Composite was up 1.63% to 18,847.28.
Asia Markets Today
<ul>
<li>On Monday, Japan&#8217;s Nikkei 225 gained 1.81% to 37,823.50, led by gains in the Mining, Gas &amp; Water and Insurance sectors.</li>
<li>Australia&#8217;s S&amp;P/ASX 200 rose 0.90%, closing at 8,245.70, led by gains in the Energy, IT and Resources sectors.</li>
<li>India&#8217;s Nifty 50 was up 0.08% to 22,143.15, and the Nifty 500 gained 0.14% to 19,909.15. Gains in the Capital Goods, Power, and Consumer Durables sectors led shares higher, while losses in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods, Healthcare, and Oil and Gas sectors led shares lower.</li>
<li>China&#8217;s Shanghai Composite slipped 0.12% to 3,316.93, and the Shanghai Shenzhen CSI 300 fell 0.04% to 3,888.47.</li>
<li>Hong Kong&#8217;s Hang Seng gained 0.28%, ending the session at 23,006.27.</li>
</ul>
Eurozone at 05:30 AM ET
<ul>
<li>The European STOXX 50 was up 0.65%.</li>
<li>Germany&#8217;s DAX gained 1.32%.</li>
<li>France&#8217;s CAC rose 0.70%.</li>
<li>U.K.&#8217;s FTSE 100 index traded higher by 0.53%</li>
<li>European shares neared record highs Monday as defense stocks surged on increased military spending plans.</li>
</ul>
Commodities at 05:30 AM ET
<ul>
<li>Crude Oil WTI was trading lower by 0.10% at $69.69/bbl, and Brent was down 0.01% at $72.80/bbl.</li>
<li>Oil prices edged higher Monday as strong Chinese manufacturing data boosted demand optimism—however, concerns over U.S. tariffs, a Ukraine peace deal, and global economic uncertainty limited gains.</li>
<li>Natural Gas gained 0.10% to $3.838.</li>
<li>Gold was trading higher by 1.17% at $2,882.00, Silver was up 1.62% to $32.008, and Copper rose 0.96% to $4.5915.     </li>
</ul>
U.S. Futures at 05:30 AM ET
<ul>
<li>Dow futures were up 0.15%, S&amp;P 500 futures gained 0.37%, and Nasdaq 100 futures rose 0.33%.</li>
<li>U.S. stock futures edged higher Monday after sharp monthly losses, with investors cautious ahead of new tariffs and key economic data. February saw significant declines due to tariff concerns and tech volatility.</li>
</ul>
Forex at 05:30 AM ET
<ul>
<li>The U.S. Dollar Index slipped 0.48% to 107.09, USD/JPY was up 0.09% to 150.85, and USD/AUD fell 0.11% to 1.6074.</li>
<li>The U.S. dollar retreated Monday as European leaders pushed for a Ukraine-Russia peace deal, boosting the euro. The dollar also eased amid uncertainty over tariffs on Canada and Mexico.</li>
</ul>
Photo by Pavel Bobrovskiy via Shutterstock

Asia Markets Mixed, Europe Advances, Gold Gains 1.2% - Global Markets Today While US Slept

Risk-on markets plummeted in February thanks to global trepidation fueled by President Donald Trump's tariff war. Consequently, demand for safe haven assets increased, sending gold-related investments higher.
What happened: Blue-chip indexes like the Nasdaq Composite and the S&amp;P 500 slid 2.93% and 2.96%, respectively, while Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>), the world's largest cryptocurrency, tanked 22% in a month.
Trump's <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/25/02/44010093/trumps-plan-for-canada-mexico-china-tariffs-to-start-march-4-could-shake-stock-market">declaration to impose tariffs</a> on major U.S. trade partners, such as China, Mexico, and Canada, has dampened risk sentiment, with critics claiming that it will disrupt critical sectors like auto production and agriculture.
Accordingly, demand for gold, seen as a hedge against economic uncertainty, rose.&nbsp;
See Also:<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42735744/pharma-bro-martin-shkreli-predicts-doom-for-michael-saylors-microstrategy-as-stock-dips-below-300-in-after-hours-trading"> </a><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/02/44033154/jamie-dimon-was-a-believer-in-smart-contract-cryptos-long-before-jpmorgan-started-piling-on-ethereum-etfs-heres-what-he-said">Jamie Dimon Was A Believer In Smart Contract Cryptos Long Before JPMorgan Hit The Buy Button On Ethereum ETFs: Here&#8217;s What The CEO Said</a>
Spot gold traded at $2,854.22 per ounce as of this writing, up 6.1% from the previous month and 8.8% year to date.
Similarly,&nbsp; SPDR Gold Trust ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GLD#NYSE">GLD</a>), the world's largest physically-backed gold exchange-traded fund, gained 2.46% in the last month and 9.42% since 2025 began.
<figure class="wp-block-table"> 
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Asset</td>
<td>Monthly Gains +/-</td>
<td>Year-to-date Gains +/-</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Spot gold</td>
<td>+6.1%</td>
<td>+8.8%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SPDR Gold Trust ETF</td>
<td>+2.46%</td>
<td>+9.42%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tether Gold</td>
<td>+4.19%</td>
<td>+8.87%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PAX Gold</td>
<td>+3.37%</td>
<td>+8.84%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
Interestingly, while cryptocurrency investors struggled in the ongoing downturn, they had the option of gaining exposure to the yellow metal via physical gold-backed coins such as Tether Gold (CRYPTO: XAUt) and PAX Gold (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/paxg/usd">PAXG</a>).
XAUt was up 4.19% over the month and 8.87% year-to-date. PAXG rose 3.37% in a month and 8.84% since the beginning of 2025.
The compiled data revealed broadly similar returns by spot gold and gold-backed cryptocurrencies since the beginning of the year, while the GLD ETF generated a higher profit.
Read Next:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/02/44033445/dogecoin-scooped-by-whales-in-large-numbers-as-memecoin-plunges-further-analyst-says-rally-toward-new-highs-on-the-cards-if-doge-crosses-this-level">Dogecoin Scooped By Whales In Large Numbers As Memecoin Plunges Further: Analyst Says Rally Toward New Highs On The Cards If DOGE Crosses This Level</a></li>
</ul>
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

Market Summary

$DOGE

$PAXG

$PEPE

Spot Gold, GLD Gold ETF, Or Gold-Backed Cryptos: Which Was A Better Investment In February Amid A Downturn In Stocks And Bitcoin?

Silver Prices Surging – How Market Conditions Are Affecting The Price Of Silver

ADVZF

NEWP

PAAS

Screenshot 2024-05-29 at 5.35.33 PM

Precious metal prices are significantly influenced by investor sentiment, much like stocks and bonds. This can lead to routine price fluctuations, sometimes large and erratic, where the volatility can create both challenges and opportunities for investors. 

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