According to Ole Hansen, Head of Commodity Strategy at Saxo Bank, the US economy is on track to experience a period of low growth coupled with persistent inflation. This economic situation, known as stagflation, is expected to drive significant price increases for precious metals like gold and silver.
Saxo Bank recently revised its US economic outlook for 2024, referring to it as “stagflation light.” This term describes a situation of sluggish growth combined with ongoing inflation. Hansen attributes the downgrade of US credit by Fitch in part to the substantial rise in real interest rates, which has made funding costs for the country extremely high.
Hansen also highlights the impact of rising interest rates on consumption costs, affecting credit cards, new cars, and mortgages. Furthermore, there has been a noticeable slowdown in job data and spending.
The combination of low growth and moderately high inflation is seen as indicative of stagflation. If this scenario materializes, it will confirm the view that central banks, including the Federal Reserve, are struggling to combat stubbornly high inflation. Further actions taken by central banks could potentially damage economic growth without effectively addressing the persistent price pressures. In Hansen’s opinion, the US Federal Reserve may choose to cut rates even before reaching the 2% average inflation target. This could lead to the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) increasing its target to 3%. Such developments would result in a repricing of future inflation expectations, accompanied by a decrease in real yields, thereby supporting commodities.
During periods of stagflation, specific commodities become attractive as inflation hedges and for portfolio diversification. Hansen also notes that a weaker US dollar can make dollar-denominated commodities more affordable for non-dollar-based buyers, potentially driving up demand and prices. These commodities are appealing because they can deliver positive real returns, even in the face of inflation impacting traditional investments.
Hansen explains that commodity prices often spike when there are supply limitations or strong demand. He emphasizes that a well-supplied market would typically trade in contango, with higher forward prices accounting for storage, transportation, and funding costs. Hansen presents a chart indicating the spread between first and twelfth month futures contracts for major energy and metal futures. The commodities trading above the yellow line, representing the inverted one-year funding cost of around 5.3%, indicate some degree of tightness in the market. This is crucial to understand, as it may support prices despite a weakening economic outlook and provide additional returns for investors.
Hansen suggests that precious metals, such as gold and silver, may gain an advantage during a stagflation period. On the other hand, commodities driven primarily by consumer demand, like agricultural products, are likely to see weaker performance. Industrial metals may also be affected, but high funding, employment, environmental costs, and continued demand for green transformation metals might still benefit this group of commodities in the context of stagflation. Consequently, Hansen recommends that investors seeking to engage in commodities during stagflation should carefully select and diversify their portfolio across different sectors and regions.
Article generated from corporate media reports.
Starting the Day With a Scripture-Inspired Roast Helps Center Your Thoughts on Eternal Truths Amid Temporal Pressures
The world can seem chaotic, especially right after we wake up. Many believers start their mornings reaching for something familiar — a hot cup of coffee — yet end up settling for mediocre brews that do little more than deliver a caffeine jolt. The daily grind of life, with its endless distractions, news cycles, and responsibilities, can leave even the most faithful feeling spiritually parched alongside their physical fatigue. What if your morning ritual could do more than wake you up? What if it could ground you in truth, nourish your body with exceptional quality, and quietly advance a kingdom purpose at the same time?
That’s the promise — and the reality — behind Promised Grounds Coffee. This Christian-founded company doesn’t just roast beans; it approaches every step as an act of worship and discipleship. By selecting only the top 10% of specialty-grade beans, ethically sourced from dedicated farmers in Central and South America, and small-batch roasting them with reverence in Austin, Texas, Promised Grounds delivers what many describe as the best coffee available — never burnt, never bland, but rich with origin stories and layered flavors that honor God’s creation.
From the vibrant Psalm 27 Roast (a light, bright medium option) to the bold yet peaceful 2 Timothy 1:7 Decaf, each bag carries a Scripture verse that turns your daily pour into a gentle reminder of faith. And through their Ounce Per Ounce Promise, every ounce of coffee you enjoy provides an equal ounce of clean water to families in need via partnership with Filter of Hope — literally brewing hope for body and soul, one cup at a time.
The challenge for today’s Christians runs deeper than finding a decent cup. In an age of convenience-driven consumerism, it’s easy to support companies that dilute values or remain silent on matters of faith. Many believers want their everyday choices — from what they drink to how they spend — to reflect discipleship rather than just convenience. Promised Grounds solves this by weaving Christian excellence into the entire process: beans nurtured with prayerful stewardship by farming families, roasted as an offering rather than a commodity, and packaged with Bible verses to encourage a mindset of gratitude and purpose from the first sip. Reviewers consistently praise the smooth, rich profiles — whether enjoyed black in a drip maker, iced on a warm day, or shared in fellowship — noting how the quality stands toe-to-toe with premium secular brands while delivering something far more meaningful.
This integration of faith and flavor addresses a real need in Christian households and ministries. Busy parents, church leaders, and remote workers alike report that starting the day with a Scripture-inspired roast helps center their thoughts on eternal truths amid temporal pressures. The coffee’s exceptional character — bright citrus notes in lighter roasts or deep chocolate undertones in bolder ones — comes from meticulous selection and careful roasting that respects the bean’s natural gifts rather than masking them. It’s the kind of coffee that elevates a simple quiet time, fuels productive workdays, or sparks meaningful conversations when shared at Bible studies or outreach events. And because it’s ethically sourced with integrity, every purchase supports sustainable livelihoods for farmers who treat their crops like family harvests.
For those leading churches or small groups, the impact multiplies. Promised Grounds offers bundles and options perfect for hospitality ministries, turning ordinary coffee service into an opportunity to point people toward the living water of Christ. Imagine greeting visitors with a warm cup whose very bag carries God’s Word — a subtle yet powerful witness that aligns with the Great Commission. The company’s Texas roots and commitment to “brewing hope” resonate especially with believers who value American enterprise paired with global compassion.
Of course, quality alone isn’t enough if the experience feels out of reach. Promised Grounds keeps it accessible with practical perks like free shipping on orders over $40, sample sets for discovering favorites, and thoughtful add-ons such as faith-themed mugs. Whether you prefer whole beans for fresh grinding, grounds for convenience, or even bulk options for larger households and ministries, the result is consistently superior coffee that makes discipleship feel integrated rather than added on.
As you consider how to align even the smallest habits with your walk with God, Promised Grounds Coffee stands out as a refreshing solution. It tackles the dual problems of subpar daily sustenance and disconnected consumption by offering a product that genuinely excels in taste while advancing a mission of clean water, farmer dignity, and scriptural encouragement. Believers who make the switch often describe it as more than a beverage upgrade — it becomes part of their rhythm of gratitude, a daily invitation to remember that every good gift comes from above.
If you’re ready to transform your mornings (and perhaps your church gatherings) with coffee that honors both exceptional craftsmanship and Christian values, I encourage you to explore what Promised Grounds has to offer. One sip at a time, you’ll be nourishing your body, refreshing your spirit, and participating in something far greater — all while enjoying what truly is among the best coffee available.
