'For Eversource Energy employees navigating today’s volatile economic landscape, the surge in gold prices underscores the importance of reviewing long-term financial strategies through a lens of historical perspective and market resilience.' – Michael Corgiat, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.
'The sharp rise in gold prices in 2025 reminds Eversource Energy employees to evaluate how global economic shifts and inflation trends could impact their broader retirement planning approach.' – Brent Wolf, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.
In this article we will discuss:
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The driving forces behind gold’s price increase in 2025, including central bank activity and global economic conditions.
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Historical patterns of gold rallies and their relevance to current market dynamics.
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Strategic implications for investors, including Eversource Energy employees, given gold's recent performance.
Gold is experiencing one of its strongest years on record, rising as much as 30% year-over-year. 1 In April 2025, it rose as high as $3,500 per troy ounce 1 —nearly double its price from the autumn of 2022. Multiple global factors are fueling this rise, including increased activity from central banks, shifts in investment strategies, and persistent economic uncertainty. These developments are influencing sentiment across financial markets, including for Eversource Energy investors with concentrated commodity exposures.
The Rally's Basis
A primary catalyst of this rally has been a notable increase in gold purchases by central banks, especially from non-OECD countries. From 2022 to 2024, central banks added approximately 1,000 metric tons of gold to their reserves each year.
2
Poland was a standout in 2024, acquiring 90 metric tons.
3
Boris Shepov, co-manager of the Fidelity® Select Gold Portfolio (FSAGX), notes that this behavior reflects a move away from reliance on the U.S. dollar.
4
This trend may influence the strategic positioning of commodity-related businesses as dollar fluctuations impact both oil and gold pricing.
China’s ongoing demand for gold further reinforces global interest. In April 2025 alone, China imported 127.5 metric tons of gold—an 11-month high 5 —prompting the People’s Bank of China to ease bullion import controls. This surge in both consumer and institutional interest in gold reflects broader concerns about macroeconomic volatility, a factor that also affects pricing trends in global energy markets relevant to companies like Eversource Energy.
Economic Instability as a Catalyst
Ongoing global financial concerns are contributing to increased demand for gold. Since late 2022, rising fears of a potential recession have driven investors toward assets viewed as more resilient in uncertain environments. These dynamics helped gold surpass the $2,000 threshold. In Q1 2025, after the U.S. credit rating was downgraded by Moody’s from 'Aaa' to 'Aa1' due to negative GDP growth, the shift toward gold intensified. Similar volatility affects investment behavior in sectors tied to commodities.
Historic Context
Previous gold rallies offer a useful frame of reference. In the late 1970s, runaway inflation sparked a rapid rise in gold prices. During the 2007–08 financial crisis, investors shifted to gold amid widespread economic disruption. The 2010s saw gold gradually rise in tandem with expanding global liquidity, while the 2020 pandemic fueled another gold spike as central banks introduced stimulus. As with oil, gold often mirrors broader economic trends—a trend that should remain on the radar of any investor, including those at Eversource Energy.
Today’s Environment
The current rally gained momentum in late 2022 and accelerated significantly after gold broke through $2,000 in 2023. Now trading at record levels, gold’s rise reflects changing global capital allocation patterns and heightened economic uncertainty. For Eversource Energy employees, this shift parallels evolving investment approaches influenced by inflation, interest rates, and geopolitical developments.
The Road Ahead
Despite the current bullish environment, many market analysts urge caution. Although gold’s price may be exceeding some underlying real-rate fundamentals, interest rates and inflation will still play a role in determining future trends. Eversource Energy employees and retirees may find these macroeconomic signals relevant when reviewing oil-linked investments and corporate strategy outlooks.
Shepov remains positive on gold’s long-term trajectory, citing structural factors like fiscal deficits and expanded monetary supply. However, he also acknowledges the likelihood of short-term fluctuations, with corrections of 10% to 15% remaining a common feature during extended rallies.
Final Insights
The convergence of global instability, policy recalibration, and institutional demand has created a powerful backdrop for gold. While historical events help contextualize the present environment, each rally emerges from a unique combination of risk factors and potential opportunities. For Eversource Energy employees evaluating investment allocation strategies, gold stands as both a potential value-preserving asset and a market influenced by evolving global conditions.
One of the more prominent developments in 2025 has been the increase in gold-backed exchange traded fund (ETF) flows. Over 150 tonnes were added to global retirement portfolios in Q1, according to the World Gold Council. This activity suggests that many retirement-focused investors are adapting to changing market conditions by incorporating gold into their strategies.
Understanding the gold rally in 2025 requires an examination of central bank activity, inflation trends, U.S. dollar positioning, and ETF flows. For Eversource Energy employees and stakeholders, these elements echo shifts in the broader energy and commodity sectors and speak to the ongoing need to pay close attention to shifting geopolitical and market trends when structuring portfolios.
Analogy
The 2025 surge in gold resembles a cargo ship returning to harbor after navigating turbulent seas. For seasoned investors—much like experienced Eversource Energy employees monitoring ocean currents—the reappearance of familiar indicators such as elevated inflation and depreciating currencies suggests that gold’s ascent was a foreseeable response to prevailing conditions. This rally, like previous voyages, highlights the importance of maintaining a thoughtful approach during economic uncertainty.
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Sources:
1. J.P. Morgan. ' Will gold prices break $4,000/oz in 2026? ' June 10, 2025.
2. RBC Wealth Management. ' Gold's regime change? ' by Joseph Wu. June 26, 2025.
3. VettaFi Advisor Perspectives. ' Central Banks Continued Stockpiling Gold in Q1 ,' by Mike Maharrey. May 9, 2025.
4. Kitco News. ' Gold's long-term drivers remain, but investors should be cautious in the near term - Fidelity's Shepov and Oldham ,' by Ernest Hoffman. May 30, 2025.
5. Kitco News. ' China's gold imports via Hong Kong nearly tripled to 43.5 tonnes in April as premiums rose ,' by Ernest Hoffman. May 27, 2025.
Other Resources:
1. Stevens, Jessica. “Central Banks on Track for 4th Year of Massive Gold Purchases.” Reuters , 5 June 2025, https://www.reuters.com/world/india/central-banks-track-4th-year-massive-gold-purchases-metals-focus-says-2025-06-05/ .
2. World Gold Council. Gold Demand Trends Q1 2025 . World Gold Council, May 2025, www.gold.org/goldhub/research/gold-demand-trends/gold-demand-trends-q1-2025 .
3. Doshi, Aakash, and Diego Andrade. Gold 2025 Midyear Outlook . State Street Global Advisors, 4 June 2025, www.ssga.com/library-content/pdfs/global/gold-2025-midyear-outlook.pdf .
4. Szafron, Jeremy. “Gold Demand Surges in Q1 as Central Banks and Investors Buy Up Bullion.” Kitco News , 21 May 2025, https://www.kitco.com/news/article/2025-05-21/gold-demand-surges-q1-central-banks-and-investors-return-market-says-wgcs .
5. Mackenzie, Michael. “Gold Set to Rally Further This Year, Say Wall Street Banks.” Financial Times , 12 Jan. 2025, https://www.ft.com/content/9fa96c1d-03f2-4d25-9644-b29ae19407aa .
What is the Eversource Energy 401(k) Savings Plan?
The Eversource Energy 401(k) Savings Plan is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their salary on a pre-tax or after-tax basis, helping them build a financial foundation for retirement.
How can I enroll in the Eversource Energy 401(k) Savings Plan?
Employees can enroll in the Eversource Energy 401(k) Savings Plan through the company's benefits portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.
What is the employer match for the Eversource Energy 401(k) Savings Plan?
Eversource Energy offers a competitive employer match to encourage employee participation in the 401(k) Savings Plan. Specific matching contributions can vary, so it's best to check the plan documentation for details.
Can I change my contribution rate to the Eversource Energy 401(k) Savings Plan?
Yes, employees can change their contribution rate to the Eversource Energy 401(k) Savings Plan at any time through the benefits portal or by contacting HR.
What investment options are available in the Eversource Energy 401(k) Savings Plan?
The Eversource Energy 401(k) Savings Plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and company stock, allowing employees to tailor their investment strategy.
Is there a vesting schedule for the Eversource Energy 401(k) Savings Plan?
Yes, the Eversource Energy 401(k) Savings Plan has a vesting schedule for employer contributions. Employees should refer to the plan documents for specific details on the vesting timeline.
What happens to my Eversource Energy 401(k) Savings Plan if I leave the company?
If you leave Eversource Energy, you have several options regarding your 401(k) Savings Plan, including rolling over your balance to another retirement account, cashing out, or leaving it in the plan if permitted.
Can I take a loan from my Eversource Energy 401(k) Savings Plan?
Yes, Eversource Energy allows employees to take loans from their 401(k) Savings Plan, subject to certain conditions and limits. Employees should review the plan's loan policy for more information.
Are there hardship withdrawals available in the Eversource Energy 401(k) Savings Plan?
Yes, Eversource Energy permits hardship withdrawals from the 401(k) Savings Plan under specific circumstances. Employees must meet certain criteria to qualify for a hardship withdrawal.
How often can I review my Eversource Energy 401(k) Savings Plan statements?
Employees can review their Eversource Energy 401(k) Savings Plan statements quarterly, and they can also access their account information online at any time.