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Asian Currencies Trade Flat as Dollar Retreats After Fed Decision 
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U.S.–Venezuela Relations Show Signs of Thaw as Top Envoy Visits Caracas 
Asian Stocks Waver as Trump Signals Fed Pick, Shutdown Deal and Tech Earnings Stir Markets 
Gold and Silver Prices Plunge as Trump Taps Kevin Warsh for Fed Chair 
China Factory Activity Slips in January as Weak Demand Weighs on Growth Outlook 
U.S. Dollar Slides for Second Week as Tariff Threats and Iran Tensions Shake Markets 
U.S. Government Faces Brief Shutdown as Congress Delays Funding Deal 
Gold prices edged higher on Monday in Asian trading as the U.S. dollar weakened, while uncertainty over trade tariffs and geopolitical tensions supported safe-haven demand. Spot gold gained 0.3% to $2,865.69 per ounce, while April gold futures climbed 0.9% to $2,873.59.
The U.S. dollar slipped 0.4%, retreating from a two-week high amid uncertainty surrounding additional tariffs. President Donald Trump confirmed a 10% tariff increase on China and reaffirmed 25% levies on Mexico and Canada. However, U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick stated that final tariff decisions would be made on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, stalled talks between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Trump raised concerns over prolonged geopolitical instability, further bolstering gold’s appeal. A weaker dollar also lifted other precious metals—platinum futures jumped 1.2% to $949.10, while silver futures climbed 0.7% to $31.73.
Economic data added to market speculation about future Federal Reserve policy. U.S. consumer sentiment dipped 0.2% in January, marking its first decline in nearly two years. The Atlanta Fed projected a 1.5% annualized economic growth rate for Q1 2025, down from 2.3% in the prior quarter. While expectations for rate cuts rose, inflation remained firm, with the Fed’s preferred PCE price index increasing 0.3% in January, the same as in December.
Copper prices saw modest gains, supported by a weaker dollar and strong manufacturing data from China. The Caixin PMI hit a three-month high, signaling better-than-expected factory activity. Benchmark copper futures on the London Metal Exchange edged up 0.3% to $9,985.70 per ton, while April copper futures hovered at $4.5595 per pound.
