May 2026 Month-End (and Year-to-Date) Market Summary

Stocks had a strong month, ranging from +2.78% (Dow) to +8.36% for the tech-heavy NASDAQ, as earnings reports for the tech and “AI” mega-stocks (the Magnificent 7) were up by an average 60%. However, silver fared well throughout the month as gold dropped slightly, creating a strong buying opportunity for investors – a perfect example of why you should be ready to “Buy On The Dips!” These moves have been speculative rather than market-driven as the demand for gold is increasing, with central banks continuing to add to their stockpiles. In fact, central bank gold buying increased 17% in the first quarter of 2026. 

Silver was the big winner among precious metals in May, while the other metals (as well as crude oil, gasoline and Bitcoin) declined. The U.S. Dollar Index was flat in May and year to date.

In addition, Bitcoin was down 3.6% in May and down 15.9% year-to-date.

America 250’s Impact on the Coin Market

As I have mentioned several times over the past few months, there are several new coins being released by the U.S. Mint this year in celebration of America’s Semiquincentennial – the 250th birthday of the United States. Because of this, we are already seeing a surge in new rare coin collectors and investors entering the market – some are focused on the new coins coming, some are focused on pre-1933 gold coins and others are realizing the value of coins associated with our precious metals IRA program, featuring Gold American Eagle coins. As the interest in coins began to increase leading up to America’s 250th, we began seeing more and more people converting a portion of their conventional IRAs into gold IRAs and that helped increase the value of the coins we recommend for those exclusive portfolios.

Make sure to discuss all of these available options with your representative because there are some really historical and potentially long-term, lucrative options available. For example, the last time the U.S. Mint produced a $2.50 gold coin was in 1929 but there is currently legislation pending in the U.S. Senate to create a new $2.50 semiquincentennial coin. This has already increased demand and price for the sesquicentennial $2.50 gold coin from 1926.

According to the summary filed with H.R. 5616, “This bill requires the minting of $2.50 coins to commemorate the 250th anniversary, or the semiquincentennial, of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Specifically, the Department of the Treasury must mint and issue a $2.50 circulating coin upon determining that such minting is technically feasible, economically feasible, and not cost-prohibitive. The design of such a coin during the first five years of its issuance must be as described by the bill, however, subsequent designs may be selected by Treasury to celebrate the founding of the United States.

“Treasury may also mint and issue $2.50 numismatic coins (i.e., collectible coins) in silver, clad, and other alloys, including gold.”

So, while you’re considering options in classical rare coins or newly issued coins from the Mint to honor America’s birthday, don’t overlook the investment potential with a gold IRA.

On Monday, June 1st, gold declined $50 per ounce, but is hovering around the $4,500 “magnet,” which has been the core gold price in the last two months, since shortly after the conflict in Iran began. On Thursday, May 28th, gold reached its lowest level since mid-March, at $4,363, but rose over 5% (+$224) to $4,592 on Friday, before dipping down on Monday. These price swings are mostly based on the back-and-forth news about peace vs. war in Iran. Silver followed the same pattern as gold, rising from a low of $71.97 last Thursday to $75.62 (+5%) on Friday and then maintaining that $75 level on Monday, June 1st.