Ira Epstein Says Inflation, Geopolitical Tensions Are Driving Metals
Key Takeaways
- •Epstein said upcoming U.S. reports such as Redbook retail sales and the Richmond Fed manufacturing survey are among the market themes he is watching.
- •He discussed geopolitical tensions involving Iran and possible implications for the SWIFT system.
- •Epstein expressed skepticism about Scott Bassett’s Treasury-fund method for managing U.S. interest rates and warned about inflation risk.
- •He said movements in gold and silver are being closely watched as traders assess inflation hedges and risk appetite.
- •He also pointed to stock-market performance and foreign currency moves against the U.S. dollar as factors shaping investor positioning.
Ira Epstein Says Inflation, Geopolitical Tensions Are Driving Metals
Ira Epstein
Ira Epstein discusses several themes in his Metal Market Wrap-Up, including upcoming economic reports such as Redbook retail sales and the Richmond Fed’s manufacturing survey. He also addresses geopolitical tensions involving Iran and the possible implications for global financial systems, especially the SWIFT system.
Epstein critiques Scott Bassett’s approach to managing U.S. interest rates through a Treasury fund, saying he is skeptical of its effectiveness and warning about potential inflation risks. He also offers observations on the metals market, pointing to movements in gold and silver prices, which are closely watched when traders are looking for inflation hedges and signs of shifting risk appetite.
In addition, Epstein comments on broader market conditions, including the stock market’s performance and foreign currency movements against the U.S. dollar, both of which can influence how investors position across commodities and other asset classes.
About the author
Ira Epstein
IraEpstein.com
LINN & Associates
Over the past 35 years, Ira Epstein has built a reputation for providing clients with easy-to-use technology and teaching traditional 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 combination of services that brings everything together.
Whether it is education, market information or trading platforms, the firm says it provides solutions.
Ira began in the futures markets in 1969. Over the years, he worked his way up from the ground up as a “floor runner” and eventually became a floor trader. In the mid-1970s, Ira decided to make 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, Ira became a leader in trading technology out of necessity, due to 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 Ira, along with his brokers, showcases their talents is through emails of market information and Ira’s “Futures Videos,” which can be viewed on the company website, through Market Center, Linn-IraChart Software and on YouTube.
IraEpstein.com
