Japan Signals Possible Yen Intervention as Currency Weakens Despite BOJ Rate Hike 
Yen Slides as BOJ Caution Undercuts Rate Hike Impact 
China’s Power Market Revamp Fuels Global Boom in Energy Storage Batteries 
U.S. Stocks End Week Higher as Tech Rally Offsets Consumer Weakness 
China Keeps Benchmark Lending Rates Steady as Economic Outlook Remains Cautious 
Global Demand for Yuan Loans and Bonds Surges as China Pushes Currency Internationalization 
U.S. Dollar Slips as Yen Finds Support on Intervention Signals and Geopolitical Risks Rise 
Global Markets Rise as Tech Stocks Lead, Yen Strengthens, and Commodities Hit Record Highs 
EU Delays Mercosur Free Trade Agreement Signing Amid Ukraine War Funding Talks 
Platinum Price Surges Past $2,000 as Demand and Supply Dynamics Tighten 
Wall Street Ends Higher as S&P 500, Nasdaq Extend Gains Ahead of Holiday Week 
RBA Signals Possible Interest Rate Hike in 2026 as Inflation Pressures Persist 
EU Approves €90 Billion Ukraine Aid as Frozen Russian Asset Plan Stalls 
South Korea Central Bank Warns of Rising Financial Stability Risks Amid Won Volatility 
Trump Defends Economic Record in North Carolina as Midterm Election Pressure Mounts 
Russia Stocks End Flat as Energy Shares Support MOEX Index 
Gold prices soared to unprecedented levels during early Asian trading on Tuesday, extending an already strong rally as investors flocked to safe-haven assets amid escalating geopolitical tensions. Heightened concerns surrounding relations between the United States and Venezuela, along with broader global unrest, significantly boosted demand for precious metals, pushing gold prices to fresh all-time highs.
Spot gold climbed 0.5% to reach a record high of $4,466.02 per ounce, while February gold futures peaked at $4,498.60 per ounce. Thin trading volumes due to year-end holidays amplified price movements, resulting in sharp gains across the precious metals market. Gold and silver both reached record highs on Monday, while platinum and palladium touched multi-year peaks, highlighting broad-based strength in the sector.
Silver prices remained elevated, with spot silver rising slightly to $69.165 per ounce, staying close to its recent peak. Platinum gained nearly 1% to $2,150.78 per ounce, marking its highest level in over 17 years, while palladium advanced 0.5% to $1,781.57 per ounce. The strong performance across precious metals underscores growing investor anxiety and a flight to assets traditionally seen as stores of value during periods of uncertainty.
The rally was largely driven by rising geopolitical risks. Reports that the U.S. Navy attempted to seize a third oil tanker linked to Venezuela intensified market fears, especially after former President Donald Trump renewed his tough rhetoric against Caracas and President Nicolás Maduro. Trump warned of a possible naval offensive and stated that oil seized from Chinese tankers off Venezuela’s coast would be retained by the U.S., further escalating tensions.
Adding to global concerns, Iran recently conducted missile drills, increasing instability in the Middle East. Reports suggesting that Israel planned to brief Washington on potential further strikes against Tehran also unsettled markets. Together, these developments reinforced safe-haven demand for gold and other precious metals, contributing to their record-breaking rally as investors sought protection from rising geopolitical and market risks.
