Bank of Japan Signals Readiness for Near-Term Rate Hike as Inflation Nears Target 
South Africa Eyes ECB Repo Lines as Inflation Eases and Rate Cuts Loom 
Gold and Silver Prices Slide as Dollar Strength and Easing Tensions Weigh on Metals 
Trump Lifts 25% Tariff on Indian Goods in Strategic U.S.–India Trade and Energy Deal 
Dollar Steadies Ahead of ECB and BoE Decisions as Markets Turn Risk-Off 
Russian Stocks End Mixed as MOEX Index Closes Flat Amid Commodity Strength 
Singapore Budget 2026 Set for Fiscal Prudence as Growth Remains Resilient 
Global Markets Slide as AI, Crypto, and Precious Metals Face Heightened Volatility 
Fed Governor Lisa Cook Warns Inflation Risks Remain as Rates Stay Steady 
Trump’s Inflation Claims Clash With Voters’ Cost-of-Living Reality 
U.S. Stock Futures Slide as Tech Rout Deepens on Amazon Capex Shock 
U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains 
India–U.S. Interim Trade Pact Cuts Auto Tariffs but Leaves Tesla Out 
Gold Prices Slide Below $5,000 as Strong Dollar and Central Bank Outlook Weigh on Metals 
Asian Stocks Slip as Tech Rout Deepens, Japan Steadies Ahead of Election 
Japanese Pharmaceutical Stocks Slide as TrumpRx.gov Launch Sparks Market Concerns 
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.
