At the time of writing, existing members, those who have applied to join and those expressing an interest total 36 nations, with over 60% of the world's population and one-third of global GDP.

Plans for a new trade currency backed by gold appear to be on the agenda for the BRICS meeting in Johannesburg in August. In this article, the geopolitical aspects of its introduction are considered, and the indications that how it will involve gold are discussed. The mechanics of this project are then suggested.

But first, we look at the situation in Ukraine, attempting to put the recent Wagner rebellion into context. Furthermore, Russia's deteriorating trade surplus, weakness of the rouble and rising bond yields suggest that it is time for President Putin to put an end to Ukraine's misery. He is likely to do this by attacking Kiev, which is only 60 miles from Belarus, while the bulk of Ukraine's army is distracted by operations over 400 miles to the south and east.