Originally published at: https://peakprosperity.com/daily-digest/gold-etfs-liquidate-bitcoin-etf-surges-nih-discriminates-against-anti-israel-researchers/
Economy
Gold ETFs experienced significant liquidation, with GLD witnessing its largest daily outflow since 2011. This selloff was driven by a surge in equity markets, with ETFs comprising 34% of trading volume. Despite the selloff, physical demand for gold from China has reportedly pushed prices up, suggesting that while paper trading can influence gold prices, physical demand remains robust. However, some blogs and X posts argue that the selloff might be overstated, pointing out that gold’s long-term trend remains bullish due to global economic uncertainties and inflation fears.
Meanwhile, Bitcoin has reportedly surged past Google in asset rankings, becoming the world’s fifth largest asset due to massive inflows into Bitcoin ETFs. Over $912 million was invested in U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs on April 22, marking the highest daily investment in over three months. This surge is attributed to a weakening dollar, rising gold correlation, and renewed institutional buying, positioning Bitcoin as a hedge against economic volatility. Nevertheless, skepticism persists among some investors who believe Bitcoin’s recent surge might be a bubble, driven by speculative trading rather than fundamental value.
Relatedly, the U.S. economy is showing signs of a shift, with President Trump’s policies potentially impacting the U.S. dollar’s global dominance. The stock markets experienced a downturn, with the S&P 500 dropping 3% and the Dow falling over 1,000 points, while gold and Bitcoin rose by 3%. Trump has escalated his criticism of Fed Chair Jerome Powell, hinting at economic trouble if rates aren’t cut. Experts suggest that Trump’s America First Investment Policy Memo might be pushing investors away from U.S. financial assets towards real investments or gold, indicating a rebalancing of global economic dynamics. However, some argue that despite current economic turbulence, the US dollar’s status as a reserve currency remains strong due to the lack of viable alternatives and the depth of US financial markets.
Geopolitics
Amid escalating Russian attacks, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has urged for an “immediate, full, and unconditional ceasefire.” This call follows a U.S. proposal for a 30-day ceasefire, which Zelensky supports but notes that Russia must agree to stop the violence. The peace efforts have been complicated by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s absence from a ministerial meeting, casting doubt on the peace process. Meanwhile, Vice President JD Vance’s peace proposal for Ukraine, which reportedly favors Russia by suggesting a freeze on current front lines and no NATO membership for Ukraine, has sparked controversy. Zelensky has firmly rejected any talks about ceding Crimea, emphasizing that such discussions would only prolong the conflict. European leaders are cautiously optimistic about the ceasefire but remain wary of Russia’s intentions.
US Politics
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has launched the Federal Actions Tracker, an online tool designed to keep the public informed about her legal battles with the Trump Administration. Since President Trump’s second term began, Nessel has filed 10 lawsuits and submitted 17 amicus briefs, actions she frames as necessary to protect Michigan residents from what she perceives as unlawful federal moves. Critics, including former AG Mike Cox, have reportedly viewed this as a partisan strategy, arguing that the role of the AG is to uphold the law, not engage in political battles. Nessel has also introduced a reporting tool for issues related to Social Security benefits, attributing problems to layoffs at the Social Security Administration during the Trump administration. However, Nessel’s approach has been criticized by some as an overreach into federal matters, suggesting a partisan approach to her role.
Health
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has introduced new guidelines that prohibit funding for researchers who support a boycott of Israel. This policy, part of a broader executive order, specifies that recipients of NIH grants must not engage in activities that promote discriminatory equity ideology or participate in boycotts against Israeli companies or those doing business with Israel. This move has sparked discussions on the implications for academic freedom and international relations. Some critics argue that this policy might infringe on academic freedom and could be seen as an attempt to stifle criticism of Israel.
Also in the news, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is reportedly contemplating the removal of the Covid-19 vaccine from the CDC’s recommended childhood immunization schedule. This potential change reflects Kennedy’s skepticism about the vaccine’s necessity and safety for children, despite his earlier promise not to alter the schedule. Critics fear this could undermine public trust in vaccines, while supporters see it as part of his broader initiative to scrutinize government vaccine policies. Some European countries have also moved away from recommending additional annual doses for healthy young people, aligning with Kennedy’s perspective.
Sources
Michigan AG Nessel Unveils “Trump Tracker” to Chronicle Legal Battles with President
Nessel dubs herself the Trump lawsuit czar.
Source | Submitted by PhilH
Economic Shift: Trump’s Policies Signal End of U.S. Dollar Dominance
“We’re increasingly looking like we’re cooked.”
Source | Submitted by rhollenb
RFK Jr. Considers Removing Covid-19 Vaccine from CDC’s Childhood Immunization Schedule
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is weighing pulling the Covid-19 vaccine from the government’s list of recommended immunizations for children, two people familiar with the discussions told POLITICO.
Source | Submitted by Redneck Engineer
Zelensky Urges Immediate Ceasefire Amid Escalating Russian Attacks
“Ukraine insists on an ‘immediate, full, and unconditional ceasefire,’ President Volodymyr Zelensky said on April 23 amid strained peace efforts and intensifying Russian attacks.”
Source | Submitted by pnwdefector
NIH Bans Funding for Researchers Supporting Israel Boycott
They can support a boycott of any other country, or even other US states — just not Israel.
Source | Submitted by Chris Martenson
Gold ETF Liquidation: Behind Yesterday’s Market Moves
“It was an outsized session for GLD as the fund concluded the session as the 3rd most-traded ETF (which is unusual GLD) and witnessed its 3rd largest notional trading session since its inception in 2004.”
Vance’s Peace Proposal for Ukraine Leans Heavily Towards Russia, Sparks Controversy
“We’ve issued a very explicit proposal to both the Russians and the Ukrainians, and it’s time for them to either say yes or for the United States to walk away from this process,”
Bitcoin Surges Past Google in Asset Rankings Amid Massive ETF Inflows
“Bitcoin’s strength amid dollar weakness, record gold prices, and renewed institutional buying reflects a market recalibrating what safety looks like.”
In addition to sources submitted by community members, the following were also used in the creation of this report: Bloomberg, Chris Luccas, Goldman Sachs, Le Monde, Michigan Political Points, POLITICO, The Intercept, The Wall Street Journal.