Asian Currencies Edge Higher as Dollar Retreats Ahead of Key U.S. Data 
China Signals Strategic Rare Earth Push Amid Rising U.S. Competition 
Nikkei 225 Surges Past 58,000 as Japan Stocks Rally on Takaichi Stimulus Boost 
Asian Currencies Rise as Dollar Weakens Ahead of U.S. Payrolls Data; Aussie Hits Three-Year High 
Wall Street Mixed as Retail Sales Stall and Investors Await Key Jobs Report 
Japan, U.S. Speed Up Talks on $550 Billion Investment Deal Amid Tariff Pressure 
Australian Central Bank Signals Tough Stance as Inflation Pressures Persist 
Fed Governor Stephen Miran Warns Tight Monetary Policy Threatens U.S. Economic Growth 
Asian Stocks Hit Record High as Strong U.S. Jobs Data Tempers Fed Rate Cut Hopes 
India–US Trade Deal: Digital Tax Removal and $500 Billion Purchase Commitment Signal Major Policy Shift 
Yen Surges After Takaichi Election Win as Markets Eye U.S. Inflation Data 
Oil Prices Edge Higher as US-Iran Tensions and Strong Payroll Data Shape Market Sentiment 
RBA Signals Further Interest Rate Hikes if Inflation Persists, Says Governor Michele Bullock 
Oil Prices Hold Firm as U.S.–Iran Talks and Inventory Data Shape Market Sentiment 
Oil Prices Steady but Head for Weekly Loss as Supply Glut Concerns Weigh 
Gold and Silver Prices Rise as Falling U.S. Yields Signal Softer Economy Ahead of Key Jobs Data 
Gold prices stabilized in early Asian trading on Friday after slipping below crucial technical levels, as investors weighed uncertainty surrounding the future path of U.S. interest rates. Market attention has now shifted to the upcoming U.S. consumer price index (CPI) data, which could offer fresh insight into Federal Reserve policy and the broader outlook for precious metals.
Spot gold edged down 0.1% to $4,915.40 per ounce, while April gold futures fell 0.1% to $4,937.60 per ounce. The yellow metal had dropped more than 3% in the previous session, erasing much of this week’s gains and putting it on track for a third consecutive weekly loss. Persistent volatility in the gold market has weakened its traditional safe-haven appeal.
Silver prices also steadied after plunging nearly 10% in the prior session. Spot silver held at $75.060 per ounce, while platinum rebounded above the $2,000 mark after suffering sharp losses. Despite the brief recovery, precious metals remain fragile following a broader selloff earlier this month.
Uncertainty over U.S. monetary policy continues to pressure gold and silver prices. Stronger-than-expected nonfarm payrolls data for January signaled resilience in the labor market, raising concerns that the Federal Reserve may delay interest rate cuts. The U.S. dollar recovered from weekly lows after the jobs report, adding further strain on metal prices, as a stronger dollar typically weighs on commodities priced in the currency.
Adding to market jitters, President Donald Trump’s nomination of Kevin Warsh as the next Federal Reserve Chairman has fueled speculation of a less dovish stance on interest rates. Since gold prices often move inversely to interest rate expectations, any signs of prolonged higher rates could limit upside momentum.
Investors are now closely watching January’s U.S. inflation report. With inflation and employment data central to Federal Reserve decisions, the CPI release could set the near-term direction for gold, silver, and other precious metals.
