Global Markets Slide as Tech Stocks Sink, Yields Rise, and AI Concerns Deepen 
Dollar Struggles as Markets Eye Key Central Bank Decisions and Global Rate Outlooks 
Asian Currencies Hold Steady as Indian Rupee Slides to Record Low on Fed Outlook 
Oil Prices Rebound as U.S.-Venezuela Tensions Offset Oversupply Concerns 
U.S. Stock Futures Mixed as Tech and AI Stocks Face Pressure Ahead of CPI Data 
South Korea Extends Bond Market Stabilization Measures Amid Rising Financial Risks 
Asian Stocks Rally as Tech Rebounds, China Lags on Nvidia Competition Concerns 
Australia’s Labour Market Weakens as November Employment Drops Sharply 
ASX Shares Slide After ASIC Imposes A$150 Million Capital Requirement 
U.S. Dollar Slides for Third Straight Week as Rate Cut Expectations Boost Euro and Pound 
Oil Prices Rebound in Asia as Venezuela Sanctions Risks Offset Ukraine Peace Hopes 
Asian Technology and Chipmaking Stocks Slide as AI Spending Concerns Shake Markets 
China’s November Economic Data Signals Slowing Industrial Output and Weak Consumer Demand 
Gold Prices Slip Slightly in Asia as Silver Nears Record Highs on Dovish Fed Outlook 
Asian Currencies Steady as Fed Delivers Hawkish Rate Cut; Aussie and Rupee Under Pressure 
Modi and Trump Hold Phone Call as India Seeks Relief From U.S. Tariffs Over Russian Oil Trade 
Fed Near Neutral Signals Caution Ahead, Shifting Focus to Fixed Income in 2026 
Gold prices climbed in Asian trading on Thursday, supported by growing safe-haven demand amid ongoing concerns about U.S. debt levels and rising geopolitical risks. Spot gold rose 0.7% to $3,338.04 an ounce, while June gold futures gained 0.8% to $3,339.20 by early morning hours.
The precious metal remained strong after reports indicated Israel is prepared to strike Iran if nuclear talks with the U.S. falter. Although upcoming negotiations between Washington and Tehran helped ease immediate war concerns, markets remained cautious.
A key driver of gold’s rally this week has been investor anxiety over mounting U.S. debt. Moody’s recently downgraded the U.S. credit rating, citing fiscal risks, while Treasury yields spiked and demand for government bonds weakened. The U.S. Treasury’s $16 billion auction of 20-year notes on Wednesday saw soft interest.
Further pressure came from a Republican-supported tax cut and spending bill headed for a House vote. Analysts warn that expanded border security and defense spending, combined with tax reductions, could worsen the country’s debt outlook. Additionally, uncertainty over President Donald Trump’s trade policies continues to weigh on investor sentiment, adding to gold’s appeal.
A weaker U.S. dollar also helped lift other precious metals. Platinum futures rose 0.4% to $1,082.20 an ounce, and silver futures climbed 0.7% to $33.873.
Copper prices also advanced, driven by expectations of economic stimulus from China. London copper futures edged up 0.2% to $9,545.50 a ton, while U.S. copper futures surged 1.3% to $4.7175 a pound. Traders are optimistic after China cut its loan prime rate this week, signaling further support for economic growth and boosting hopes for stronger copper demand.
