In a significant move, gold has been reclassified as a Tier 1 high-quality liquid asset under Basel III regulations starting July 1, 2025. This decision by global regulators reflects the growing recognition of gold as a crucial component of modern investment portfolios. For decades, central banks have steadily increased their gold reserves to safeguard against economic instability. Now, retail investors are following suit, with surveys showing a notable rise in interest toward gold as a long-term investment. Despite this trend, gold mining stocks remain underwhelming, raising questions about investor sentiment and operational challenges within the sector.
A New Era for Gold Investments
In the golden hues of recent years, the financial world has witnessed a pivotal transformation in how gold is perceived. As of July 1, 2025, US banks can now include physical gold at its full market value within their core capital reserves. This change marks a dramatic shift from the previous classification where gold was undervalued by half. The World Gold Council reports that central banks added 244 metric tons of gold to their reserves in the first quarter alone, marking a 24% increase over the five-year quarterly average. This trend began after the 2008 financial crisis and intensified post-2019 when gold was reclassified under Basel III. Retail investors are also awakening to gold's potential, with nearly a quarter of Americans now considering it the best long-term investment.
Amidst this surge, however, lies an intriguing anomaly: while gold prices soar, mining stocks experience sustained outflows. Investors appear cautious due to concerns over operational and financial health issues in the mining industry. Historically, gold stocks tend to lag behind the metal's price until stability is assured, presenting opportunities for early movers.
Physically backed gold ETFs and streaming/royalty companies gain favor as lower-risk alternatives. Yet, quality mining stocks may offer substantial leverage if margins improve.
This regulatory update signifies more than just a policy adjustment; it validates gold’s role as a monetary asset and a hedge against uncertainty. With major financial institutions bolstering their gold holdings, why should individual investors hesitate?
Experts recommend maintaining a balanced portfolio with a 10% allocation to gold—half in physical form and half in high-quality mining equities or funds—and regular rebalancing.
From a journalist's perspective, this development underscores the importance of diversification in uncertain times. It serves as a reminder that traditional assets like gold still hold immense value amidst rapid financial innovation. Investors would do well to reconsider their strategies and embrace this proven store of wealth. The future may shine brighter for those who recognize gold's enduring appeal.
A situation involving an elderly resident of Athens has sparked attention and concern, highlighting the vulnerabilities associated with online relationships. The individual, aged 88, willingly transferred significant amounts of money to individuals he described as romantic partners, despite never meeting them in person. Authorities became involved after a financial institution flagged unusual activity on his account, leading to further investigation into these transactions.
Law enforcement uncovered that the funds were sent to two separate recipients, both identified by the man as romantic interests. One recipient was a woman in North Carolina, who the victim believed to be much younger than her actual age. The other series of payments consisted of gift cards sent to another unknown location. Despite warnings from protective services, the man insisted on continuing these financial gestures and even requested that authorities refrain from informing his son. This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance when engaging in digital interactions.
Family members play a crucial role in safeguarding their loved ones from potential scams. Lieutenant Katie Jenkins emphasized the necessity for open communication within families, suggesting proactive measures such as managing finances when necessary to prevent unwise decisions. By fostering trust and dialogue, families can protect vulnerable individuals from falling prey to deceitful schemes, promoting safety and well-being in an increasingly interconnected world.
A prominent Bollywood actress and social media personality, Kusha Kapila, has taken to her Instagram Stories to warn her followers about a counterfeit Facebook account operating under her name. This impersonation account is reportedly soliciting money from unsuspecting individuals. The fraudulent profile uses her real name and photo, boasting over 122,000 followers. Kusha emphasized that the page does not belong to her and urged fans to disregard any inappropriate messages or financial requests.
Details of the Incident Involving Kusha Kapila
In the vibrant world of digital media, where identities can be easily fabricated, actor Kusha Kapila found herself at the center of an unsettling situation. During a weekend in early May, she discovered a deceptive Facebook account bearing her likeness and credentials. This account, characterized by its self-proclaimed "small and stupid" bio, had amassed a significant following of 122,000 people while only engaging with three others.
Upon noticing this impersonation, Kusha promptly addressed the matter on her Instagram Stories, sharing a screenshot of the fraudulent page. She clarified that the account was neither created nor managed by her and requested her audience to cease all interactions with it. Demonstrating her commitment to protecting her fanbase, she deleted the post shortly after to avoid further confusion. Kusha's proactive approach reflects her dedication to maintaining transparency and trust with her followers.
Beyond this incident, Kusha continues to thrive in both her acting career and personal endeavors. Having appeared in various films and web series, including "Ghost Stories," "Masaba Masaba," and "Minus One: New Chapter," she remains a beloved figure in the entertainment industry. Despite past challenges, such as her marriage dissolution in 2023, Kusha's resilience shines through her work and public engagements.
From a journalist's perspective, this event underscores the growing issue of identity theft and fraud in cyberspace. It serves as a reminder for everyone, especially public figures, to remain vigilant against online impersonations. Additionally, it highlights the importance of fostering digital literacy among users to help them discern genuine profiles from fake ones. As technology evolves, so too must our strategies for safeguarding personal information and preserving online integrity.