Tether Quietly Bought More Gold Than Some Central Banks

Arcadia EconomicsAbout 5 min readJan 29, 2026Watch original
THE SUMMARYAI-generated

Goldfix Market Rundown - Detailed Summary (May 1, 2024)

Key Concepts:

  • Tether’s Gold Holdings: Tether, a major cryptocurrency firm, has amassed a substantial gold reserve (approximately 140 tons) rivaling some central banks.
  • Tokenized Gold: Tether is utilizing its stablecoin profits to back tokenized gold, aiming to integrate traditional finance with the digital asset space.
  • Dollar Weakness & Gold Correlation: President Trump’s statements regarding the dollar’s value triggered a significant rally in gold and silver prices.
  • Comex Settlement vs. Spot Price: Discrepancies between Comex futures settlement (2:00 PM EST) and spot prices create trading opportunities and potential for market manipulation.
  • Shanghai Gold Premium: Anticipation of gold clearing trials in Shanghai/Hong Kong is expected to further drive gold demand.
  • Geopolitical Implications: The increasing role of gold in international finance signals a shift in global financial power dynamics.

1. Market Overview & Initial Conditions (May 1, 2024)

The market opened with mixed signals. 10-year yields were unchanged, while the dollar rose 35 basis points after a significant decline the previous day. Equities showed gains: S&P 500 up 18, Nasdaq up 150, and the VIX slightly increased. Precious metals experienced substantial gains: Gold rose $86 from the previous settlement, spiking between $4-$5, and Silver increased by 35 cents, also spiking. WTI crude oil was up 11 cents, natural gas down 13, Bitcoin up 690, Ethereum up 4, Palladium up 39, and Platinum up 20. Grains were also up. Vince Lansancy highlighted the success of his previous day’s trading recommendation: “buy gold, sell silver.”

2. Impact of President Trump’s Statements on the Dollar & Precious Metals

President Trump’s comments regarding the dollar, made around 4:00 PM EST after market close, significantly impacted market sentiment. He indicated a willingness to allow the dollar to weaken, stating he “didn’t care that it’s weaker” and claiming the ability to manipulate the dollar’s value “on a yo-yo string.” These statements triggered a surge in gold and silver prices and a decline in the dollar’s value, with a positive effect on oil prices. Lansancy emphasized that the market was primed for this move and Trump’s comments simply catalyzed it, noting “sketchy trading” occurred beforehand.

3. Tether’s Massive Gold Accumulation & Strategic Positioning

The primary focus of the broadcast was Tether’s substantial gold holdings. The firm has accumulated approximately 140 tons of physical gold, rivaling the reserves of some central banks, and is purchasing up to two tons weekly. This gold is stored in Swiss vaults, specifically within a converted nuclear bunker. Tether is utilizing profits from its stablecoin operations to back tokenized gold, trade bullion, and strategically position itself at the intersection of money, geopolitics, and currency debasement. Lansancy stressed the significance of this development, stating it’s “not going away” and comparable to gold allocation in China. He noted Tether hired two experienced traders from HSBC. This accumulation is viewed as a fundamental shift in the financial landscape, with private stablecoin issuers operating with the scale and ambition of nation-states.

Quote: “Private stable coin issuers now speak in nation state terms, signaling a shift where gold underpins competing digital payment systems, redefining sovereignty, currency competition, and the future architecture of money itself.”

4. Emerging Trends in Gold & Global Finance

Several other news items highlighted evolving trends in the gold market:

  • Tanzania Liquidating Gold Reserves: Tanzania’s decision to liquidate gold reserves to counter global rate cuts was deemed non-bullish.
  • China’s Shift to Gold: Reports suggest China intends to use gold directly in place of US bonds, aligning with Lansancy’s previous analysis.
  • China Gold Acquiring Alli Gold: China Gold’s acquisition of Canadian gold company Alli Gold is seen as part of the Belt and Road Initiative, potentially linking Canadian resources to Chinese investment.
  • Hong Kong Gold Clearing Trials: Hong Kong is preparing to launch gold clearing trials, partnering with Shanghai to utilize gold as a repo HQLA (High-Quality Liquid Assets) asset. Lansancy anticipates this will trigger significant gold demand.

5. Technical Analysis & Trading Strategies

Lansancy provided a detailed technical analysis of gold and silver price movements. He highlighted a breakout in gold above $2300, predicting a potential move to $2400. He also discussed silver’s configuration, suggesting a short position below a certain level and a long position above it. He emphasized the efficiency of his hourly chart analysis, noting a successful prediction of a $100 move in gold.

6. Comex Settlement Discrepancy & Market Manipulation Concerns

A significant portion of the broadcast was dedicated to explaining the discrepancy between Comex futures settlement prices (2:00 PM EST) and spot prices. Lansancy explained that the settlement price is based on an antiquated system and can be manipulated, allowing banks to maintain short positions. He argued that the settlement should occur at 5:00 PM EST to align with actual trading activity.

Quote: “The Comex 2:00 settlement is an antiquated aspect. It should settle at 5. But they don't do that because you can manipulate the market at 2:00.”

He illustrated the difference with charts, showing how the futures market opens based on the 2:00 PM settlement, while spot prices continue to trade and reflect the actual market movement. He noted that this discrepancy creates trading opportunities, particularly on days with significant price swings.

7. Call to Action & Support for Independent Media

Lansancy concluded by encouraging viewers to support independent media through purchases of hats, mugs, and hoodies, citing the addition of a new employee.


Conclusion:

The Goldfix Market Rundown on May 1, 2024, highlighted a confluence of factors driving the gold market. Tether’s massive gold accumulation, President Trump’s comments on the dollar, and emerging trends in China and Hong Kong are reshaping the global financial landscape. Lansancy’s technical analysis and explanation of the Comex settlement discrepancy provide actionable insights for traders. The overall message is that gold is increasingly positioned as a key asset in a world facing currency debasement and geopolitical uncertainty. The broadcast underscored the importance of understanding the nuances of the gold market and the potential for both opportunity and manipulation.

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