Germany’s Economic Recovery Slows as Trade Tensions and Rising Costs Weigh on Growth 
Oil Prices Rise as Ukraine Targets Russian Energy Infrastructure 
Australia’s Economic Growth Slows in Q3 Despite Strong Investment Activity 
Oil Prices Hold Steady as Ukraine Tensions and Fed Cut Expectations Support Market 
European Oil & Gas Stocks Face 2026 With Cautious Outlook Amid Valuation Pressure 
Asian Markets Stabilize as Wall Street Rebounds and Rate Concerns Ease 
Asia’s IPO Market Set for Strong Growth as China and India Drive Investor Diversification 
BOJ Faces Pressure for Clarity, but Neutral Rate Estimates Likely to Stay Vague 
China’s Services Sector Posts Slowest Growth in Five Months as Demand Softens 
Gold Prices Edge Higher as Markets Await Key U.S. PCE Inflation Data 
Asian Currencies Edge Higher as Markets Look to Fed Rate Cut; Rupee Steadies Near Record Lows 
RBI Cuts Repo Rate to 5.25% as Inflation Cools and Growth Outlook Strengthens 
IMF Deputy Dan Katz Visits China as Key Economic Review Nears 
U.S. Futures Steady as Rate-Cut Bets Rise on Soft Labor Data 
Dollar Holds Steady as Markets Shift Focus to 2026 Rate Cut Expectations 
Asian Markets Mixed as Fed Rate Cut Bets Grow and Japan’s Nikkei Leads Gains 
Gold prices extended gains on Wednesday, driven by strong safe-haven demand as investors braced for the impact of new U.S. tariffs. Spot gold rose 0.2% to $3,116.72 per ounce as of 0500 GMT, following Tuesday’s record high of $3,148.88. U.S. gold futures were steady at the same level.
Analysts point to geopolitical tensions, fears of a U.S. economic slowdown, and rising inflation risks as key drivers behind gold's surge. Philip Newman, managing director at Metals Focus, noted that persistent geopolitical uncertainty continues to fuel demand for the precious metal. He predicted that gold could reach $3,300 in the coming months, supported by safe-haven buying and potential Federal Reserve rate cuts.
Investor focus remained on the looming U.S. tariffs, which President Donald Trump has labeled “Liberation Day.” Market concerns include the potential for increased inflation, slower economic growth, and escalating global trade tensions. The White House confirmed new tariffs would be introduced, though specifics remain unclear.
Gold, a traditional hedge against inflation and instability, tends to thrive in low-interest-rate environments. Its rally has also been boosted by robust central bank purchases, geopolitical instability in the Middle East and Europe, and growing inflows into gold-backed ETFs.
Aakash Doshi, global head of gold strategy at State Street Global Advisors, suggested that in a bullish scenario, gold prices could test $3,400 per ounce within nine months.
Meanwhile, other precious metals also gained. Spot silver rose 0.2% to $33.80 per ounce, platinum increased 0.8% to $987.31, and palladium advanced 0.4% to $987.00. Traders await key U.S. economic data, including the ADP employment report and Friday’s non-farm payrolls.
