|

The most explosive week for commodities is here – Will you capitalize? [Video]

Commodities are on the cusp of a break or break moment as a series of major macro catalysts converge – in what can only be described as the most pivotal week of the year for commodity markets.

For savvy traders, this week could define the trajectory of gold, silver, copper, oil and agricultural markets for the rest of the year – and potentially kickstart the next leg of the commodity supercycle.

First up, in a busy week, Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng will meet U.S. Treasury Secretary Bessent in Stockholm on Monday and Tuesday to negotiate an extension of the 90-day tariff truce, set to expire on August 12th.

The stakes couldn’t be higher. If talks collapse, tariffs would snap back to triple-digit levels – 145% on U.S. imports and 125% on Chinese goods – a scenario that would send raw material costs soaring and create massive supply dislocations across critical sectors from semiconductors, rare earth metals to grain and energy.

Bessent has hinted at a rolling 90-day extension – a decision that would be seen as bullish for industrial metals and oil, giving traders breathing room and avoiding a near-term escalation. China has already signalled goodwill, lifting export bans on rare earth metals. If the Stockholm talks deliver even a partial deal, expect an immediate relief rally across commodities most exposed to global trade flows.

While trade talks dominate headlines, the Federal Reserve’s July 30th meeting may be just as impactful. Policymakers are expected to hold rates at 4.25% - 4.50%, but dovish governors Waller and Bowman are pushing for cuts – citing weakening labour market conditions and a potential inflationary rebound driven by tariffs.

A dovish dissent or even subtle shifts in Powell’s post-meeting language could light a fire under rate-sensitive commodities. Gold and silver, which have lagged behind risk assets in recent weeks, would be poised for a sharp repricing. Meanwhile, a surprise rate cut – would likely send precious metals and energy soaring as the dollar weakens and liquidity expectations shift.

The macro backdrop is changing – and fast. U.S. GDP is expected to rebound sharply to +2.5% in Q2, a sign that demand for raw materials is recovering faster than anticipated. The PMI data supports this view, with manufacturing showing signs of life and services still expanding. Even employment – though softening – remains strong enough to support broad consumption trends.

For commodity traders, this isn’t a wait-and-see moment – it’s a license to print money.

A bullish trifecta is unfolding: a likely de-escalation in U.S–China trade tensions, growing expectations of a dovish Fed pivot and inflation signals that reinforce hard assets as essential stores of value. From copper on the cusp of a breakout, silver with its record short positioning, or crude oil nearing a technical breakout – the entire commodity market is flashing opportunity.

The setup is asymmetric and the upside is explosive.

The message is clear: Position early, before the headlines hit. Because this could be the most lucrative entry point across the entire commodities complex we’ll see in 2025.

Where are prices heading next? Watch The Commodity Report now, for my latest price forecasts and predictions:

Author

Phil Carr

Phil Carr

The Gold & Silver Club

Phil is the co-founder and Head of Trading at The Gold & Silver Club, an international Commodities Trading Firm specializing in Metals, Energies and Soft Commodities.

More from Phil Carr
Share:

Editor's Picks

EUR/USD hits two-day highs near 1.1820

EUR/USD picks up pace and reaches two-day tops around 1.1820 at the end of the week. The pair’s move higher comes on the back of renewed weakness in the US Dollar amid growing talk that the Fed could deliver an interest rate cut as early as March. On the docket, the flash US Consumer Sentiment improves to 57.3 in February.

GBP/USD reclaims 1.3600 and above

GBP/USD reverses two straight days of losses, surpassing the key 1.3600 yardstick on Friday. Cable’s rebound comes as the Greenback slips away from two-week highs in response to some profit-taking mood and speculation of Fed rate cuts. In addition, hawkish comments from the BoE’s Pill are also collaborating with the quid’s improvement.

Gold climbs further, focus is back to 45,000

Gold regains upside traction and surpasses the $4,900 mark per troy ounce at the end of the week, shifting its attention to the critical $5,000 region. The move reflects a shift in risk sentiment, driving flows back towards traditional safe haven assets and supporting the yellow metal.

Crypto Today: Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP rebound amid risk-off, $2.6 billion liquidation wave

Bitcoin edges up above $65,000 at the time of writing on Friday, as dust from the recent macro-triggered sell-off settles. The leading altcoin, Ethereum, hovers above $1,900, but resistance at $2,000 caps the upside. Meanwhile, Ripple has recorded the largest intraday jump among the three assets, up over 10% to $1.35.

Three scenarios for Japanese Yen ahead of snap election

The latest polls point to a dominant win for the ruling bloc at the upcoming Japanese snap election. The larger Sanae Takaichi’s mandate, the more investors fear faster implementation of tax cuts and spending plans. 

XRP rally extends as modest ETF inflows support recovery

Ripple is accelerating its recovery, trading above $1.36 at the time of writing on Friday, as investors adjust their positions following a turbulent week in the broader crypto market. The remittance token is up over 21% from its intraday low of $1.12.