Wall Street Futures Slip as Tech Stocks Struggle Ahead of Key US Economic Data 
Bank of Japan Poised for Historic Rate Hike as Inflation Pressures Persist 
Russia Stocks End Flat as Energy and Retail Shares Show Mixed Performance 
Bank of Korea Downplays Liquidity’s Role in Weak Won and Housing Price Surge 
Asian Technology and Chipmaking Stocks Slide as AI Spending Concerns Shake Markets 
Fed Near Neutral Signals Caution Ahead, Shifting Focus to Fixed Income in 2026 
U.S. Dollar Slips Near Two-Month Low as Markets Await Key Jobs Data and Central Bank Decisions 
Asian Currencies Trade Sideways as Dollar Weakens Ahead of Key U.S. Data 
Oil Prices Slip in Asia as 2026 Supply Glut Fears and Russia-Ukraine Talks Weigh on Markets 
Dollar Struggles as Markets Eye Key Central Bank Decisions and Global Rate Outlooks 
Asian Stocks Slide as Central Bank Decisions and Key Data Keep Investors Cautious 
Citi raised its three-month gold price forecast to $3,500 per ounce from $3,300, projecting a trading range of $3,300–$3,600, citing a deteriorating U.S. growth and inflation outlook. The bank expects U.S. tariff-related inflation pressures, slower economic growth, and a weaker dollar to push gold to fresh all-time highs in the second half of 2025.
President Donald Trump’s recent steep tariffs on exports from countries including Canada, Brazil, India, and Taiwan are expected to remain in place, according to U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. The measures have fueled inflation concerns and heightened safe-haven demand.
The U.S. dollar weakened last week after July nonfarm payrolls rose by just 73,000, following a downwardly revised 14,000 increase in June. The soft labor data has boosted expectations of a Federal Reserve rate cut in September, with markets pricing in an 81% probability, according to the CME FedWatch tool.
Citi also pointed to second-quarter labor market weakness, rising doubts over Federal Reserve credibility, and elevated geopolitical risks from the Russia-Ukraine conflict as additional gold price drivers. Gold, a traditional safe-haven asset, benefits from low interest rates and economic uncertainty.
The bank estimates global gold demand has surged over one-third since mid-2022, nearly doubling prices by Q2 2025. This demand growth is fueled by robust investment inflows, steady central bank purchases, and resilient jewelry demand despite record-high prices.
As of 0340 GMT Monday, spot gold traded at $3,356.88 per ounce, reflecting strong investor interest and positioning for further gains in the months ahead.
