Political uncertainty in the U.S. ahead of the presidential election has intensified, and combined with geopolitical tensions, it’s pushing investors toward "safe haven" assets. This convergence of events has driven gold prices to a new all-time high, continuing a rally that has lasted nearly a month. Silver is also experiencing "golden times," nearing the highest prices in 12 years.* With the outlook for lower interest rates, expectations are growing that further milestones could be reached within the next few months.[1]

Chinese leader in smart solutions for self-driving vehicles, Horizon Robotics, made its market debut on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, drawing significant attention. The autonomous transport market is experiencing considerable growth, which drives the demand for the underlying technologies. This is the main reason Horizon Robotics is seen as a promising company. Investor interest was evident as the stock price surged on its first day of public trading, marking the largest IPO in Hong Kong this year.*

The well-known coffee chain Starbucks has been struggling with weaker sales for several months, as confirmed by the latest preliminary financial indicators for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2024. However, there is hope in the form of a new CEO, who has a plan to reverse the situation. Starbucks must change its approach to customers while also listening to its employees, who have identified many operational issues.

The French conglomerate LVMH, known primarily for its luxury brand Louis Vuitton, experienced a sharp decline in sales in Asia during the third quarter of 2024. This raised concerns about consumer sentiment in the region, particularly in the important Chinese market. The disappointing financial results impacted not only LVMH's stock but also that of other European luxury retailers.* However, given the persistent challenging economic conditions in key markets, the situation may not be as dire as it appears at first glance.