Metals Getting a Jump in Trade: Ira Epstein's Market Review

Market analyst Ira Epstein, who publishes his market commentary on precious metals news site GoldSeek, reviewed the latest developments in the metal and stock markets as of August 26, 2027.

In equities, Epstein highlighted significant movements, pointing in particular to the impressive gains posted by Salesforce following an earnings conference. Results from major enterprise software companies like Salesforce are widely tracked as a barometer of corporate technology spending. He also noted a potential $18 billion settlement involving Meta, the kind of large-scale legal payout investors follow for its possible effect on a company's finances.

Turning to the economic calendar, Epstein cited upcoming reports, including jobless claims and export sales, which could influence market trends. Weekly initial jobless claims, published by the U.S. Department of Labor, are among the most timely recurring readings on the condition of the U.S. labor market, while export sales data track overseas purchases of U.S. agricultural commodities. He also offered observations on the stability of the energy markets and on the dynamics between the dollar and the euro, a pairing metals followers keep on their radar because gold is quoted in U.S. dollars on global markets.

On precious metals, Epstein expressed optimism about gold's performance, highlighting the metal's recent technical patterns and its potential support levels, the chart zones where buyers have historically tended to step in. Whether those levels hold on upcoming tests, together with the scheduled jobless claims and export sales reports, marks the next inputs for the trends he outlines.

Source: GoldSeek, Metals: Getting a Jump in Trade.

About the Author: Ira Epstein

Ira Epstein — IraEpstein.com, LINN & Associates.

Over the past 35 years, Ira Epstein has developed a reputation for providing clients with easy-to-use technology and teaching "good old fashioned trading know-how." A number of the firm's brokers have more than 30 years of trading experience. No matter how technology changes the methods of entering orders, there is no replacement for having "been there and done that before." It is the blend of services that brings things together — whether education, market information, or trading platforms, the firm provides solutions.

Epstein began in the futures markets in 1969, working his way up from the ground as a "floor runner" and ultimately becoming a Floor Trader. In the mid-1970s, he made a career shift within the industry to develop both retail- and commercial-based clientele. His customer base grew to the point that in 1984 he founded "Ira Epstein & Company," a trading firm specializing in retail, commercial, and self-directed discount futures trading.

Along the way, Epstein became a leader in trading technology out of necessity, driven by increased small-lot trade volume. He was among the first to embrace the Internet, which has dramatically changed both the way information is delivered and how trading takes place today.

One of the ways Epstein and his brokers showcase their talents is through e-mails of market information and Ira's "Futures Videos," which can be viewed on the firm's website, through Market Center, Linn-IraChart Software, and on YouTube.