May 2, 2023
1st Quarter — QE Boosts Commodities and Stocks

The first quarter of 2021 has been a period of significant growth for both commodities and stocks, thanks in large part to the continued implementation of quantitative easing (QE) measures by central banks around the world.
QE is a monetary policy tool used by central banks to stimulate economic growth by increasing the money supply and lowering interest rates. This, in turn, makes it easier for businesses and individuals to borrow money, which can lead to increased spending and investment.
One of the key effects of QE is that it tends to boost the prices of commodities such as oil, gold, and silver. This is because when interest rates are low, investors are more likely to put their money into assets that offer higher returns, such as commodities. As a result, the demand for these assets increases, driving up their prices.
In the first quarter of 2021, we have seen this effect play out in the commodities markets. Oil prices, for example, have risen by more than 20% since the start of the year, driven in part by expectations of increased demand as the global economy recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic. Gold and silver prices have also seen significant gains, as investors seek out safe-haven assets in uncertain times.
The stock market has also benefited from the continued implementation of QE measures. Lower interest rates make it easier for companies to borrow money, which can lead to increased investment and growth. This, in turn, can drive up stock prices as investors anticipate higher profits and dividends.
In the first quarter of 2021, we have seen this effect play out in the stock market as well. Despite ongoing concerns about the pandemic and its economic impact, major stock indices such as the S&P 500 and the Dow Jones Industrial Average have reached record highs. This has been driven in part by strong earnings reports from companies in sectors such as technology and healthcare, which have benefited from increased demand for their products and services during the pandemic.
Of course, there are risks associated with QE as well. One concern is that it can lead to inflation, as the increased money supply can lead to higher prices for goods and services. This, in turn, can erode the purchasing power of consumers and lead to economic instability.
Despite these risks, however, the continued implementation of QE measures by central banks around the world has helped to boost both commodities and stocks in the first quarter of 2021. As the global economy continues to recover from the pandemic, it will be interesting to see how these trends evolve in the months and years ahead.