Gold Price Hits Annual Low as Fed Rate Hike Bets and Sticky Inflation Weigh on Bullion 
Central Banks Eye Gold, Reduce Dollar Exposure as AI Adoption Accelerates: OMFIF Survey 
Asian Currencies Stay Range-Bound as Investors Eye China Data, RBNZ Outlook and U.S.-Iran Ceasefire 
RBA Minutes Signal Australia Central Bank Remains Ready to Raise Interest Rates if Inflation Persists 
Oil Prices Rise as US-Iran Tensions Threaten Strait of Hormuz Oil Shipments 
Global Financial Firms Shift Asia Expansion Focus to South Korea as China, India Face Caution 
US Dollar Slips After PCE Inflation Data as Fed Rate Hike Expectations Stay Elevated 
Canada Grants C$7 Million to Greenland Molybdenum Mine to Strengthen Critical Minerals Supply 
Oil Prices Slip as U.S.-Iran Peace Talks and Strait of Hormuz Risks Keep Markets on Edge 
China Manufacturing PMI Edges Higher in June as Exports and AI Investment Boost Growth 
China Factory PMI Seen Returning to Growth in June as AI Export Demand Supports Economy 
Asian Stocks End Strong Quarter as Dollar Surges, Yen Hits 40-Year Low Ahead of US Jobs Data 
China Expands Export Controls, Adds 20 Japanese Companies to Restricted List 
Trump Threatens 100% Tariffs on Countries Imposing Digital Services Taxes on U.S. Tech Firms 
Economic pessimism has set in – but there are reasons for Australians to be hopeful 
Trump Questions Housing Bill as He Prioritizes SAVE America Act 
Trump Urges Gasoline Retailers to Cut Prices to $2.50 Per Gallon, Warns of Legal Action 
Gold prices climbed sharply on Wednesday, marking the sixth gain in eight sessions as easing geopolitical tensions between the United States and Iran renewed investor appetite for the precious metal. Spot gold XAU/USD rose 2% to $4,762.14 per ounce, while gold futures advanced 2.3% to $4,785.25 per ounce by mid-afternoon trading.
The rally comes after gold suffered its steepest monthly decline in over 17 years at the end of March, weighed down by inflation fears tied to the ongoing Iran conflict. The war has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz — a vital shipping corridor carrying roughly one-fifth of the world's oil and gas supply — sending energy prices soaring globally and cooling demand for non-yielding assets like gold.
Sentiment shifted after President Trump announced on Truth Social that Iran had formally requested a ceasefire. Trump indicated Washington would consider the proposal once the Strait of Hormuz is fully reopened. He had earlier hinted the U.S. could withdraw from the conflict within two to three weeks. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian separately confirmed Tehran's willingness to end hostilities, provided certain security guarantees were met.
The prospect of de-escalation eased inflation concerns that have kept central banks cautious. While the Federal Reserve opted to hold interest rates steady, institutions including the European Central Bank and the Bank of Japan signaled potential rate hikes to combat energy-driven inflation — moves that had previously pressured gold by boosting yields and dollar strength.
Market analysts note that gold's recent rebound, following a 20–25% drop from January highs near $5,600, reflects technical recovery rather than a definitive trend reversal. Key resistance remains in the mid-$4,500 range, and sustained upward momentum will depend on confirmed diplomatic progress and clearer signals on global interest rate direction. Silver and platinum also posted modest gains on Wednesday.
