Markets are flashing warning signs across multiple fronts. Crypto has surrendered most of its gains, equities are sliding, the dollar’s safe-haven status is being questioned, and regulators are probing cracks in private credit markets. Meanwhile, investors are increasingly looking abroad and toward gold for diversification and protection. At the same time, a newly announced critical mineral is drawing attention from policymakers and investors alike, signaling shifts in global resource priorities. Together, these developments underscore a growing sense that the financial system is entering a more fragile phase, and the time is more urgent than ever to hedge with precious metals. 


New Critical Mineral: US Signals Priorities

The USGS develops the list of critical minerals and rare earth elements essential for the economy and national security of the United States of America.
Silver is now listed as a new critical mineral in its sixth year of silver consumption exceeding the amount mined.

Takeaway: Already possessing one of the best industrial profiles of any real element, silver now has a new source of demand that could potentially be material- the United States of America as a buyer to accumulate significant strategic reserves. As one of the only assets still trading below its 1980s inflationary peak, we encourage you to get to full positions quickly.


Crypto: Gains Wiped Out as Risk Appetite Evaporates

Bitcoin dropped below $100,000 this week, erasing most of its 2025 gains.
Total crypto market capitalization has fallen back to early-year levels as leveraged positions were flushed out.

Takeaway: Meteoric gains can vanish quickly when sentiment shifts. It's critical to understand the risks of speculative investments.


Equities: The Rally Falters, Markets Look Frothy

S&P 500 fell 1.2%, with mega-cap tech down 2.3%. AI-driven leaders like Palantir and Nvidia show vulnerability.
Wall Street executives — including Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, and Capital Group — warn that U.S. equities are overvalued and that a pullback is likely.
Global equities, including China, Europe, and Canada, are outperforming the U.S., with MSCI’s ex-U.S. index leading in dollar terms. Investors are seeking diversification outside the dollar.
 
Takeaway: Market breadth is narrow, and volatility is creeping back. Investors should heed the warning signs and prepare their portfolios in a way that historically weathers bear markets.


Currency Markets: Dollar Confidence Under Question

JPMorgan Chase recently bought Argentine pesos on behalf of the U.S. Treasury to stabilize the Argentinian currency ahead of their local elections.
It appears the Treasury was trying to influence the political outcome of Argentina, signaling a new potential risk for dollar holders. 
 
Takeaway: Investors now have a new slate of demonstrated risks to consider with holding dollars in light of America's willingness to hold foreign securities and influence foreign elections with our nation's balance sheet. This constitutes yet another reason to reassess the dollar’s role in portfolios and consider hedging with gold and silver.


Red Flag in Private Credit

Regulators are investigating Egan-Jones Ratings Co., which rates billions in private credit held by U.S. life insurers.
Private markets can hide vulnerabilities, reinforcing the need for diversified, risk-aware positioning.
 
Takeaway: With limited availability, recent price consolidation almost over, and rising geopolitical/currency risks, gold and silver remain essential hedges for portfolios.


What Can You Do?

With these warning signals becoming more frequent, there is an urgency to evaluate your portfolio. History shows us that portfolios hedged with physical gold and silver weather significant market downturns when other portfolios suffer significant stress. Don't take for granted the time available to act before things flash over.

God bless and God bless America. 


Past performance is not indicative of future results.