Asian Currencies Slip as Dollar Strengthens; Indian Rupee Rebounds on Intervention Hopes 
China’s November Economic Data Signals Slowing Industrial Output and Weak Consumer Demand 
U.S. Dollar Steadies Near October Lows as Rate Cut Expectations Keep Markets on Edge 
Oil Prices Rebound as U.S.-Venezuela Tensions Offset Oversupply Concerns 
RBA Unlikely to Cut Interest Rates in 2026 as Inflation Pressures Persist, Says Westpac 
U.S. Dollar Slips Near Two-Month Low as Markets Await Key Jobs Data and Central Bank Decisions 
Asian Stocks Slide as Central Bank Decisions and Key Data Keep Investors Cautious 
Asian Fund Managers Turn More Optimistic on Growth but Curb Equity Return Expectations: BofA Survey 
Oil Prices Slip in Asia as 2026 Supply Glut Fears and Russia-Ukraine Talks Weigh on Markets 
Asian Currencies Trade Sideways as Dollar Weakens Ahead of Key U.S. Data 
Asian Stocks Slide as AI Valuation Fears and BOJ Uncertainty Weigh on Markets 
Trump Orders Blockade of Sanctioned Oil Tankers, Raising Venezuela Tensions and Oil Prices 
Australian Consumer Sentiment Slumps in Early December as Inflation Fears Resurface 
Bank of Japan Poised for Historic Rate Hike as Inflation Pressures Persist 
Singapore Growth Outlook Brightens for 2025 as Economists Flag AI and Geopolitical Risks 
Asian Technology and Chipmaking Stocks Slide as AI Spending Concerns Shake Markets 
Gold and Silver Prices Dip as Markets Await Key U.S. Economic Data 
Gold prices experienced a slight decline during Asian trading on Tuesday, continuing a downward trend fueled by a robust U.S. dollar and expectations of smaller interest rate cuts.
Gold Prices Under Pressure
Spot gold fell 0.1% to $2,645.74 per ounce, while December gold futures dropped 0.1% to $2,662.10 per ounce as of 23:52 ET (03:52 GMT). The metal's inability to reach September's peaks highlights the ongoing pressure from the dollar, which surged to a two-month high on Monday. Hawkish remarks from Federal Reserve officials, particularly Governor Christopher Waller, have further strengthened the dollar by emphasizing a cautious approach to interest rate reductions. Current trading suggests an over 80% probability of a 25 basis point cut in November, compared to the larger 50 basis point cut in September.
Higher interest rates typically diminish gold's appeal, as they increase the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding assets like bullion. This dynamic has contributed to gold's recent struggles.
Industrial Metals Retreat
Meanwhile, industrial metals also faced challenges, with copper prices retreating due to ongoing concerns regarding China, the top importer. Benchmark copper futures on the London Metal Exchange fell 0.2% to $9,633.50 per ton, as investors reacted to mixed signals about China's stimulus plans. Although the Ministry of Finance announced an increase in fiscal spending, the lack of specific details led to disappointment among investors.
Despite positive trade data indicating a rise in Chinese copper imports, the overall trade balance fell more than expected, further intensifying worries about China's economic stability.
In summary, gold and copper prices are under significant pressure due to strong dollar and economic concerns in China, which could have lasting implications for investors in the metals market.
