Gold is back in the headlines—this time breaking all records. On September 16, 2025, the price of gold surged past $3,700 per ounce, making it one of the biggest jumps in recent years. Just a year ago, gold traded at around $2,300. Now, investors who purchased a Costco gold bar in 2023 are sitting on gains of nearly 100%.

The surge comes as traders bet on interest rate cuts from the Federal Reserve while ongoing geopolitical tensions and inflation fears continue to rattle global markets. For everyday shoppers, however, the story has a unique twist: the unlikely rise of Costco Wholesale as a player in the precious metals market.

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The Costco Gold Rush

In 2023, Costco quietly introduced 1-ounce gold bars for its members. At the time, prices hovered around $1,950 each, according to USA Today. What followed was nothing short of a frenzy. Shoppers snapped them up so quickly that Costco had to implement a restriction: only two bars per customer, per day.

By May 2025, those same bars were selling above $3,000, and by mid-September they had climbed to about $3,700. The company also listed silver and platinum bars, but gold has remained the undisputed star.

On September 17, 2025, Costco’s online listing for gold showed the item as sold out. Membership-only access means non-members can’t even view the pricing, but demand has remained relentless.

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Competitors Join the Trend

It isn’t just Costco capitalizing on the craze. Walmart also sells gold bars. On September 17, it listed a 1 oz Pamp Suisse Lady Fortuna Veriscan Bar at $3,818, slightly higher than Costco’s offering.

The message is clear: gold isn’t just for Wall Street hedge funds anymore—it’s on the shelves of America’s biggest retailers.

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Why Is Gold So High?

Gold has long been considered a safe-haven asset, often rising during times of uncertainty. Several factors are fueling today’s surge:

• Geopolitical Tensions – Ongoing instability in the Middle East has increased demand for safe assets.
• Inflation Fears – Rising prices across sectors continue to erode confidence in currencies.
• Stock Market Volatility – Investors are nervous after turbulent trading sessions since 2023.
• Federal Reserve Policy – Hints of interest rate cuts from the Fed have boosted gold’s appeal.

In short, gold has regained its shine as a store of value.

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How Much Is Your Costco Gold Bar Worth Now?

If you bought a Costco bar in October 2023, you paid under $2,000. At today’s market price of $3,700, that’s nearly a 100% gain in just two years.

Even investors who bought last year—when gold was hovering around $2,300—are looking at gains of more than 50%. For many casual buyers, this has been their first real taste of gold investing, and the results have been extraordinary.

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Selling Your Gold: Not as Easy as Buying

While it may be tempting to cash in, experts caution that reselling gold is not straightforward. According to NerdWallet, sellers should expect to receive less than the spot price. Buyers such as pawn shops, jewelers, or gold dealers still need to leave room for their own profit.

Online marketplaces are another option, but getting multiple quotes is crucial before selling. As with any investment, patience and timing could make a big difference.

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Year-End Forecast

Where does gold go from here? The Australia and New Zealand Banking Group recently raised its forecast, predicting gold could hit $4,000 by June 2026. If true, Costco’s gold bars may continue to be one of the hottest investments available at retail level.

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More Than Just a Commodity

What’s fascinating is not just the price of gold but the cultural shift it represents. Once considered an investment only for the wealthy or institutional investors, gold is now being purchased during weekend shopping trips to Costco. This democratization of gold ownership is reshaping how Americans view wealth and security.

From Bayonne, New Jersey, where a customer proudly showed off his purchase in October 2024, to shoppers in California and Texas, Costco gold bars have become a conversation starter as much as an investment tool.

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Final Thoughts

The story of Costco’s gold bars is about more than a shiny metal—it’s about timing, opportunity, and a retailer that tapped into consumer psychology at exactly the right moment. Whether prices keep rising or cool off, one thing is certain: those who bought early have already struck gold.

Gold has hit a new record high. Here's how much that Costco gold bar is worth. https://t.co/6DJPKWb3Q0 via @bctimes

— Patrick O'Shea (@NewsAddict2) September 17, 2025

For deeper updates and analysis on global business trends, Visit our site for more news www.DailyGlobalDiary.com.

When your phone rings and a stranger insists they can help you switch your superannuation fund to a “bigger, better” scheme, it might feel tempting. After all, who doesn’t want higher returns on retirement savings? But regulators say this is one of the biggest red flags of 2025.

According to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), an alarming wave of “super switching” scams has been targeting vulnerable Australians—especially retirees—by luring them into high-risk, high-fee investments. These scammers operate through cold calls, social media ads, and even fake referrals to financial advisers.

The National Anti-Scam Centre reported that in 2024 alone, Australians aged over 65 lost nearly $100 million, the highest amount among all age groups.

“Dodgy” schemes play on fear

Xavier O’Halloran, CEO of Super Consumers Australia, explained that these schemes exploit people’s fears about retirement. “They push people into dodgy investments by promising unrealistic high yields,” he said. The catch? Victims often pay tens of thousands upfront and then face ongoing hidden fees.

Much like the collapsed First Guardian and Shield Master Funds, these schemes trap investors into complex, high-risk products with very little chance of long-term stability.

ASIC warns of “Big Red Flags”

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) issued a July alert urging Australians to be on guard. Deputy Chair Sarah Court warned:

“Being asked to make a quick decision is one of the most obvious red flags. Remember, a good deal won’t vanish overnight.”

She added that even experienced investors can struggle to spot the flaws in these schemes because of how persuasive salespeople can be. “Once you start on the path, it can be hard to get off,” Court cautioned.

These scammers typically present themselves as helpful advisors, claiming they can “locate lost super for free” or introduce you to a trusted financial adviser. In reality, they are often earning commissions for transferring your funds.

Google and COTA fight back

To combat the rising scam wave, Google partnered with the Council on the Ageing Australia (COTA) during Scams Awareness Week (August 25–29). Nearly 1,000 seniors participated in a special digital safety program named Project BRIDGE (Building Resilience, Inclusion and Digital Growth for Elders).

Bec Turner, Google Australia’s Public Policy Manager, said the initiative was “vital” to keeping communities one step ahead of scammers. The sessions taught not only how to spot scam tactics, but also how to strengthen digital literacy and stay safe online.

Trustees under pressure

Earlier in 2025, ASIC wrote to superannuation trustees demanding stronger anti-scam practices. Trustees, considered “gatekeepers” of retirement funds, were warned they cannot outsource their responsibilities when it comes to protecting clients.

An ASIC review of 15 funds revealed a startling truth—many had no anti-scam strategy at all, putting millions at risk.

What you can do if targeted

If you receive a cold call pressuring you to switch superannuation funds:

1. Ask questions about the caller’s relationship with the fund. If commissions are involved, walk away.
2. Never rush into decisions. Scammers thrive on urgency.
3. Hang up if you feel pressured—legitimate advisers won’t mind you taking time.
4. Check with ASIC and official fund websites before making any moves.
5. If you think you’ve been caught, contact IDCARE on 1800 595 160, Australia and New Zealand’s national identity and cyber support service.

The bigger picture

With Australia’s retirement system valued in the trillions of dollars, scammers see a goldmine. Regulators, tech companies, and advocacy groups are now racing to outsmart these schemes. But as Sarah Court put it, “scammers are always evolving”—which means staying alert is the best defense.

If these had been industry super funds pushing people into dud products, the AFR would have gone nuts with multiple reports, Rear Window pieces and an editorial. Instead, just a flat report about retail funds' appalling behaviour.https://t.co/7MbvdoDPBq

— Bernard Keane (@BernardKeane) July 2, 2025

For anyone nearing retirement, the dream of financial security should not become a nightmare of financial loss. The next time you’re promised “unrealistic returns” over the phone or through a flashy online ad, remember the words of ASIC: “A good deal won’t vanish overnight.”

Visit our site for more news www.DailyGlobalDiary.com

The Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) has issued a stark warning: the Australian dollar could suffer a “violent reversal” if Donald Trump proceeds with a fresh wave of tariffs aimed at countries aligned with BRICS.

In a move that sent shockwaves across financial markets, Trump threatened on Monday to impose a 10% tariff on all countries “supporting anti-American BRICS policies,” which includes China, India, Brazil, South Africa, and Russia. The announcement triggered an immediate reaction in currency markets, with the Aussie falling 1% to US64.86¢.

UBS warns spike in U.S. tariffs (10–70%) is dragging on global growth. Avg tariff ~16%, adding ~$500 B in import costs. With July 9 deadline looming, markets are jittery. $SPY $DXY pic.twitter.com/wMQjBfrFKj

— MarketPlays (@MarketPlaysApp) July 7, 2025

Adding to the turbulence, Trump signed an executive order initiating 25% tariffs on Japanese and South Korean goods, although enforcement has been deferred until August 1, giving allies a short window to negotiate.

Meanwhile, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) shocked economists by holding the cash rate at 3.85%, sparking a temporary rally that pushed the Aussie up 1% to US65.39¢ on Tuesday.

“The Aussie dollar is at risk of a sharp fall,” said Kristina Clifton, CBA’s currency strategist. “AUD could quickly drop by US2¢, US3¢, or even US4¢ if President Trump follows through on his tariff threats.”

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Trump’s BRICS Ultimatum: Where Does Australia Stand?

While Australia has not been explicitly named, its economic ties to China, India, and the wider Asia-Pacific region make it dangerously exposed.

The Australian dollar is often seen as a proxy for Asian currencies, and therefore reacts sharply to any trade headlines involving the region. With BRICS nations in the crosshairs, Australia is “guilty by association” in the eyes of global investors.

“Concerns about an escalation in the U.S. trade war with Australia’s partners has cut short the Aussie’s recent rally,” Clifton warned.

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What Happened in April: A Harsh Reminder

In early April 2025, Trump launched what his administration dubbed “Liberation Day Tariffs”, a sweeping measure that disrupted financial markets and sparked sell-offs across multiple currencies.

Back then, the U.S. dollar surged as a short-term safe haven, but the rally didn’t last. As fears of recession grew, the U.S. Dollar Index posted a historic 10.8% drop in the first half of 2025—the worst performance since 1973.

Ironically, this helped support the Australian dollar… until now.

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August 1: Countdown to Currency Chaos

The new executive order defers tariffs until August 1, allowing a three-week grace period for negotiations. But analysts warn this could be the calm before another financial storm.

“FX markets were largely relaxed heading into July 9. But Monday’s mood was different—like a trauma flashback to Liberation Day,” said Richard Franulovich, Head of FX Strategy at Westpac.

Franulovich noted that implied volatility had been subdued but is now expected to spike as investors reassess risk.

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A Glimmer of Hope: US-China Dialogue

There is cautious optimism about improving U.S.-China relations. Beijing recently took action to restrict exports of fentanyl precursors—substances blamed by Washington for fueling America’s opioid crisis.

This goodwill gesture has raised hopes that the “fentanyl tariffs”—20% levies imposed by Trump on Chinese goods—might be lifted. Franulovich believes such a move could “unlock a material reset for the Aussie.”

“The U.S.-China truce appears intact for now. That’s the silver lining,” he added.

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But Vietnam Complicates the Equation

The recent interim trade deal between the U.S. and Vietnam, which slaps a 40% tariff on trans-shipped goods, may pose a new headache for China and, by extension, Australia. Many Chinese firms have rerouted goods through Vietnam to bypass existing U.S. tariffs—a loophole this new agreement aims to close.

The message is clear: even indirect trade routes are now under Trump’s scrutiny.

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Australia’s Silent Tightrope

Although Australia has not publicly aligned with BRICS, its reliance on China for exports—particularly iron ore and agricultural products—makes it vulnerable. If Trump views Australia’s neutrality as complicity, tariffs or financial retaliation could follow.

“Even with stable interest rates, the Aussie can’t escape Trump’s trade war shadow,” Clifton emphasized.

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Conclusion: Is the Rebound Just a Mirage?

I'm not forecasting anything.

But, BABA along with many of the 🇨🇳 companies have suffered through US propaganda & malicious tariff threats. Today is no different! pic.twitter.com/IXGFBET2uz

— Trader Chris (@5littlebass) July 7, 2025

The RBA’s surprise decision gave the Australian dollar a short-term boost, but experts believe the real driver will be Trump’s next move. Will the U.S. President follow through on his tariff threats or seek last-minute deals?

Until then, currency markets are jittery—and investors are watching every headline, every tweet, every diplomatic signal.

Because for the Aussie dollar, the worst may still be ahead.