U.S. Stock Futures Hold Steady Ahead of Key Fed Decision 
Asia’s IPO Market Set for Strong Growth as China and India Drive Investor Diversification 
U.S. Defense Bill Sets Record $901 Billion Budget, Includes Ukraine Aid 
Gold Prices Inch Higher as Fed Rate-Cut Expectations Strengthen 
Trump Meets Mexico and Canada Leaders After 2026 World Cup Draw Amid USMCA Tensions 
ECB Signals Steady Rates Ahead as Policymakers Warn of Inflation Risks 
UK Job Market Shows Persistent Weakness Ahead of November Budget 
U.S. Economic Outlook 2026: Growth Seen Strengthening as Fiscal Support Ramps Up 
Global Currencies Steady Ahead of Key Central Bank Decisions 
Global Markets Steady as Yen Holds Firm After Japan Earthquake Amid Central Bank Focus 
Australia’s Business Conditions Ease in November as Capacity Constraints Persist 
Austria’s AA Credit Rating Affirmed as Fitch Highlights Stable Outlook 
Vietnam’s November Trade Sees Monthly Decline but Strong Year-on-Year Growth 
Asian Markets Slip as Investors Brace for Fed Rate Cut and Global Policy Decisions 
Australian Dollar Rises as RBA Holds Rates and Signals Persistent Inflation Risks 
Gold prices declined in Asian trading on Friday, with spot gold dropping 0.8% to $3,214.90 per ounce and June futures down 0.3% to $3,217.65. The precious metal is on track for its steepest weekly loss since November 2024, falling about 3.2% as easing tensions between the U.S. and China reduced demand for safe-haven assets.
The recent agreement between Washington and Beijing to temporarily lower trade tariffs boosted global risk appetite, prompting a rally in equities and risk-driven assets. This shift in sentiment led traders to lock in profits from gold’s recent record highs. Additionally, strength in the U.S. dollar and rising Treasury yields applied further downward pressure on gold prices.
Despite the decline, gold remains above the key $3,000/oz level. Market participants are cautiously awaiting a more definitive trade resolution between the U.S. and China, while soft U.S. economic data continues to cloud the growth outlook.
Other precious metals also faced losses. Platinum futures fell 0.5% to $989.90/oz, and silver futures slipped 0.3% to $32.593/oz, both set for weekly declines alongside gold.
In the industrial metals segment, copper prices edged lower on Friday. London Metal Exchange copper dipped 0.2% to $9,567.30 per ton, and U.S. copper futures also lost 0.2% to $4.6695 per pound. Despite the dip, copper held onto weekly gains driven by optimism over China’s economic prospects.
Traders now look ahead to key Chinese economic indicators, including industrial production and retail sales data due Monday, followed by the People’s Bank of China’s loan prime rate decision on Tuesday, which could signal further stimulus measures.
