RBA Signals Possible Interest Rate Hike in 2026 as Inflation Pressures Persist 
China Keeps Benchmark Lending Rates Steady as Economic Outlook Remains Cautious 
UK Economy Grows 0.1% in Q3 2025 as Outlook Remains Fragile 
Japan Revises Economic Growth Forecast as Stimulus Fuels Consumption and Investment 
Taiwan Stock Market Ends Higher as Semiconductor and Energy Shares Lead Gains 
Oil Prices Ease in Asia as Geopolitical Risks Clash With Weak Demand Outlook 
Gold Prices Surge to Record Highs as Geopolitical Tensions Fuel Safe-Haven Demand 
U.S. Dollar Slips as Yen Finds Support on Intervention Signals and Geopolitical Risks Rise 
U.S. Stock Index Futures Steady After S&P 500 Hits Record on Strong Economic Data 
Asian Markets Rise as AI Rally Caps 2025, Gold and Silver Hit Record Highs 
Global Demand for Yuan Loans and Bonds Surges as China Pushes Currency Internationalization 
Gold Price Breaks $4,500 as Safe-Haven Demand and Rate Cut Bets Fuel Rally 
Platinum Price Surges Past $2,000 as Demand and Supply Dynamics Tighten 
Asian Stock Markets Trade Flat as Holiday Liquidity Thins and BOJ Minutes Watched 
China’s Power Market Revamp Fuels Global Boom in Energy Storage Batteries 
IMF Reaches Staff-Level Agreement With Egypt, Opening Path to $3.8 Billion in Funding 
Gold prices climbed in Asian trade on Friday, nearing record highs as investors sought safe-haven assets amid economic uncertainty. The metal is poised for strong weekly gains, driven by renewed U.S.-China trade tensions and a weaker dollar. Escalating geopolitical risks in the Middle East also bolstered gold’s appeal.
Spot gold rose 0.2% to $2,862.67 an ounce, while futures increased 0.3% to $2,884.81. The metal has gained 2.4% this week. Analysts at Citi and UBS raised their gold price forecasts for 2025, predicting a continued bull market. Citi expects gold to hit $3,000 in the short term, while UBS sees it reaching that level by year-end.
Gold remains strong ahead of the highly anticipated U.S. nonfarm payrolls report, which could impact Federal Reserve policy. A robust labor market could delay interest rate cuts, potentially weighing on gold’s long-term outlook. The Fed has signaled caution on rate adjustments due to persistent inflation and economic uncertainty.
Other precious metals also saw gains this week. Silver futures edged up to $32.678 an ounce, while platinum futures held steady at $1,021.65.
Copper prices advanced as traders bet on Chinese stimulus measures to counteract trade war effects. London Metal Exchange copper futures climbed 1.1% to $9,389.85 a ton, while March copper futures rose 0.6% to $4.4875 a pound. Beijing is expected to introduce economic support to mitigate the impact of U.S. tariffs, following Trump’s recent 10% duty on Chinese imports. Analysts at JPMorgan anticipate further tariff hikes, potentially escalating tensions.
Investors remain focused on key economic data and policy decisions that could shape market trends in the coming months.
