Gold’s Gleam: Caution Amid The Rally

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

February 26, 2025

Gold prices are surging, with the SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) fund up about 11% in 2025 and returns climbing roughly 42% over the past year. Gold futures, too, are on the rise—up around 10% year-to-date and 36% higher than last year. By contrast, the S&P 500 has barely moved in 2025, gaining only 1.5%, and has risen 17% over the past year.

Yet, as the allure of the precious metal intensifies, seasoned investors are urging restraint. Certified financial planner Lee Baker of Claris Financial Advisors recalls, “I didn’t get any calls from clients about gold a year ago. Now, I get them regularly.” He cites Warren Buffett’s timeless advice: “Be cautious when others are greedy, and be greedy when others are fearful.” Baker warns that while the current fervor is tempting, the typical investor should limit gold allocation to no more than 3% of a diversified portfolio—lest they fall into the classic trap of buying high and selling low.

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Why are gold prices on the rise? The answer lies in its enduring reputation as a safe haven during turbulent times. Investors flock to gold amid uncertainty, with recent US sanctions against Russia acting as a turbocharger for returns. These sanctions have spurred central banks, particularly in China, to boost their gold purchases instead of U.S. Treasury bonds, aiming to safeguard their reserves from potential geopolitical strife. Moreover, many see gold as a hedge against inflation, even though the data supporting that view remains mixed.

Samir Samana, senior global market strategist at Wells Fargo Investment Institute, notes, “In times of real crisis, bonds have shone brighter than gold.” His perspective underscores that while gold may shine during periods of high uncertainty, its rally might be unsustainable without a prolonged crisis.

For investors, the takeaway is clear: while gold’s current surge offers attractive returns, caution is paramount. As the market faces potential headwinds, following Buffett’s contrarian wisdom may help avoid the pitfalls of an overheated market. In the world of investing, where timing is everything, it’s not just about chasing returns—it’s about staying disciplined when the herd runs wild.

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Cyprus Leads EU With Highest Per Capita Greenhouse Gas Footprint In 2023

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

February 20, 2026

Cyprus Tops The Emissions List

New Eurostat data shows that Cyprus recorded the highest per-capita greenhouse gas footprint in the European Union in 2023. The country reported 14.8 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent per person, well above the EU average of 9.0 tonnes. The figures highlight the impact of consumption patterns and imported goods on national emissions.

Overview Of 2023 Emissions Data

According to the report, the greenhouse gas footprint linked to goods and services consumed within the EU averaged 9.0 tonnes per person in 2023, down from 10.0 tonnes in 2022. The consumption-based metric measures emissions generated across entire supply chains, regardless of where production takes place.

Contrasting Emissions Across Member States

Cyprus recorded the highest level at 14.8 tonnes per capita, followed by Ireland at 14.0 tonnes and Luxembourg at 12.7 tonnes. At the lower end of the scale, Portugal reported 6.5 tonnes per capita, with Bulgaria, Sweden, and Romania also recording comparatively low figures. The differences reflect varying consumption patterns and the carbon intensity of imported goods and services.

Consumption Versus Production Emissions

Across the EU, the greenhouse gas footprint tied to consumption reached 4.0 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent in 2023, compared with production-based emissions of 3.3 billion tonnes. The gap illustrates how imported goods contribute to overall emissions. Over the past decade, consumption-based emissions declined by 12.9%, while production-based emissions fell by 18.6%, partly influenced by the economic slowdown during the 2020 pandemic.

Implications For Policymakers And Business Leaders

The data suggests that emissions strategies increasingly need to address both domestic production and consumption patterns. For Cyprus, this means looking beyond local energy reforms to examine the carbon footprint of imported products and supply chains. Businesses and policymakers may need to consider broader sustainability measures that reflect how goods are produced and consumed.

As the EU continues to strive for reduced emissions, this report serves as a vital resource. It illustrates the progress in lowering production emissions while drawing attention to the substantial challenge posed by the consumption-based footprint. In the evolving realm of environmental policy, these insights are indispensable for steering future initiatives on a path towards greater sustainability.

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