China Keeps Benchmark Lending Rates Steady as Economic Outlook Remains Cautious 
EU Delays Mercosur Free Trade Agreement Signing Amid Ukraine War Funding Talks 
Silver Prices Hit Record High as Geopolitical Tensions Fuel Safe-Haven Demand 
Global Demand for Yuan Loans and Bonds Surges as China Pushes Currency Internationalization 
Kevin Hassett Says Inflation Is Below Target, Backs Trump’s Call for Rate Cuts 
German Exports to the U.S. Decline Sharply as Tariffs Reshape Trade in 2025 
IMF Reaches Staff-Level Agreement With Egypt, Opening Path to $3.8 Billion in Funding 
Yen Slides as BOJ Caution Undercuts Rate Hike Impact 
Why U.S. Coffee Prices Are Staying High Despite Trump’s Tariff Rollbacks 
U.S. Stocks End Week Higher as Tech Rally Offsets Consumer Weakness 
Platinum Price Surges Past $2,000 as Demand and Supply Dynamics Tighten 
Global Markets Rise as Tech Stocks Lead, Yen Strengthens, and Commodities Hit Record Highs 
U.S. Dollar Slips as Yen Finds Support on Intervention Signals and Geopolitical Risks Rise 
Russia Stocks End Flat as Energy Shares Support MOEX Index 
Oil Prices Climb in Asian Trade as Venezuela Sanctions and Middle East Tensions Fuel Risk Premium 
Wall Street Ends Higher as S&P 500, Nasdaq Extend Gains Ahead of Holiday Week 
Oil Prices Ease in Asia as Geopolitical Risks Clash With Weak Demand Outlook 
Gold Prices Rise Amid Lower Yields, Rate Cut Expectations
Gold prices continued their upward trajectory on Thursday, nearing record highs as declining U.S. Treasury yields and anticipated interest rate cuts by major central banks provided support. Spot gold rose 0.2% to $2,678.90 per ounce, while December gold futures increased by 0.1% to $2,694.40 per ounce.
The softening of Treasury yields, particularly the 10-year rate, which fell by 0.5%, bolstered bullion. Speculation about a second Trump presidency and its potential inflationary effects contributed to a stronger dollar but did not dampen gold's momentum. Investors are closely watching for a 25 basis-point rate cut from the European Central Bank later in the day, which could further influence gold's performance.
Trump Presidency Speculation Impacts Market Sentiment
Political developments in the U.S. have played a role in market dynamics, with Donald Trump gaining traction in online betting markets. His policies, expected to drive inflation, have affected Treasury yields and strengthened the U.S. dollar. With just weeks before the election, traders remain cautious about the economic outlook.
Copper Declines as China Stimulus Fails to Impress
In contrast, copper prices continued their decline, reflecting disappointment over China’s latest economic stimulus measures for the property sector. Benchmark copper futures dropped 0.6% to $9,548.50 per ton, while December futures fell to $4.3445 per pound.
The briefing from China’s housing minister outlined expanded developer funding but lacked substantial new measures, leaving investors skeptical. With Chinese third-quarter GDP data expected soon, markets are on edge regarding further economic growth.
