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’ Strong Youth Employment Rate Still Does Not Guarantee Early Independence

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

September 16, 2026

Young people in Cyprus have a relatively high employment rate, but they leave the parental home later than the EU average, according to Eurostat data.

Cypriots left home at an average age of 27 in 2025, compared with 26.3 years across the EU. At the same time, 72.3% of people aged 20 to 29 in Cyprus were employed, well above the EU average of 65.5%.

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Strong Employment Does Not Mean Early Independence

Only nine countries recorded higher youth employment rates than Cyprus. Iceland led at 85.3%, followed by the Netherlands at 84%, Malta at 82.1%, Switzerland at 78.3% and Germany at 77%.

Norway recorded 76.5%, Ireland 76.1%, Denmark 74.8% and Austria 74.6%. Eurostat said countries where young people leave home earlier generally tend to have higher youth employment rates.

Southern Europe Sees Later Moves

Finland had the lowest average age for leaving the parental home at 21.4 years, followed by Denmark at 21.8 and Estonia and Lithuania at 22.7. Croatia recorded the highest average at 31.5 years, followed by Greece and Slovakia at 30.9. Spain and Italy both stood at 30.2 years.

Across the EU, the average has remained close to 26 since 2002, rising only slightly from 26.2 years in 2024 to 26.3 years in 2025.

Cyprus Labour Market Is Cooling

The figures come as Cyprus’ labor market shows some signs of easing, although demand for workers remains relatively strong by European standards.

Separate Eurostat data showed Cyprus had the EU’s largest annual decline in its job vacancy rate in the second quarter of 2026. The rate fell to 2.6% from 3.3% a year earlier, but remained above the EU average of 2.0% and the euro area average of 2.1%.

Cost Of Living Remains A Factor

Housing and other living costs can also affect how quickly young workers establish independent households. Eurostat reported that Cyprus’ household consumption price level was 89.2% of the EU average in 2025.

A relatively lower overall price level does not eliminate affordability pressures for people on modest incomes. For younger workers, the issue can be whether wages are sufficient to cover rent, utilities, food and other basic expenses.

Cyprus therefore combines relatively high youth employment with a later transition to independent living, suggesting that access to work and the ability to afford a separate household do not always move together.

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