With the rise in M&A, how do I determine if a deal is beneficial or simply a result of overconfidence? I’m worried that hidden debt from these big moves might quietly undermine their long-term stability — how do I spot the difference?

An increase in the gold price and a decline in the US stock market typically indicate a shaky economy, which means inflation fears and Federal Reserve rate expectations. People worry about rising prices and what the Federal Reserve will do. So, they buy gold, which they see as a safer bet than stocks when things get uncertain.