UBS Warns of Short-Term Risks as Precious Metals Rally to Record Highs 
Yen Stabilizes Near Lows as Japan Signals Readiness to Intervene Amid Dollar Weakness 
BOJ Governor Signals Gradual Rate Hikes as Japan’s Inflation Nears 2% Target 
BOJ Minutes Reveal Growing Debate Over Interest Rate Hikes and Inflation Risks 
IMF Reaches Staff-Level Agreement With Egypt, Opening Path to $3.8 Billion in Funding 
Global Markets Rise as Tech Stocks Lead, Yen Strengthens, and Commodities Hit Record Highs 
South Korea Central Bank Warns of Rising Financial Stability Risks Amid Won Volatility 
RBA Signals Possible Interest Rate Hike in 2026 as Inflation Pressures Persist 
Taiwan Stock Market Ends Higher as Semiconductor and Energy Shares Lead Gains 
U.S. Stock Index Futures Steady After S&P 500 Hits Record on Strong Economic Data 
Global Demand for Yuan Loans and Bonds Surges as China Pushes Currency Internationalization 
US and Japan Fast-Track $550 Billion Strategic Investment Initiative 
China Keeps Benchmark Lending Rates Steady as Economic Outlook Remains Cautious 
Asian Markets Rise as AI Rally Caps 2025, Gold and Silver Hit Record Highs 
Oil Prices Ease in Asia as Geopolitical Risks Clash With Weak Demand Outlook 
Japan Revises Economic Growth Forecast as Stimulus Fuels Consumption and Investment 
Why U.S. Coffee Prices Are Staying High Despite Trump’s Tariff Rollbacks 
Gold prices dipped slightly in Asian trade on Wednesday but remained close to record highs as U.S. President Donald Trump threatened fresh trade tariffs on key imports. Markets also awaited signals on interest rates from the Federal Reserve’s upcoming minutes release.
Spot gold fell 0.2% to $2,929.02 an ounce, while April gold futures slipped 0.1% to $2,946.22. The precious metal has been rangebound as investors weigh haven demand against easing geopolitical concerns, particularly amid talks of a potential U.S.-brokered Russia-Ukraine peace deal.
Trump announced plans for a 25% tariff on automobile, pharmaceutical, and semiconductor imports, citing unfair trading practices. While auto tariffs could take effect as early as April, levies on drugs and chips are expected to be delayed. Investors appeared less reactive to the news, suggesting resilience to Trump’s tariff strategy. His recent postponement of tariffs on Canada and Mexico fueled hopes that these measures might serve as negotiation tactics rather than definitive policy shifts.
Global markets saw mixed reactions. Asian stocks registered minor losses, while U.S. stock futures edged higher. Other metals also declined—platinum futures dropped 1% to $1,000.95, silver futures slipped 0.1% to $33.325, and copper retreated 0.5% to $9,418.95 a ton amid profit-taking.
Market focus now turns to the Fed’s January meeting minutes. The central bank recently signaled a slower pace of rate cuts, citing inflation concerns. Upcoming speeches from Fed officials and key PMI data from major economies will provide further insights into economic conditions, potentially influencing gold and broader market sentiment.
