China Urged to Prioritize Economy Over Territorial Ambitions, Says Taiwan’s President Lai 
BOJ Faces Pressure for Clarity, but Neutral Rate Estimates Likely to Stay Vague 
Dollar Slides to Five-Week Low as Asian Stocks Struggle and Markets Bet on Fed Rate Cut 
Europe Confronts Rising Competitive Pressure as China Accelerates Export-Led Growth 
European Stocks Rise as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
U.S. Futures Steady as Rate-Cut Bets Rise on Soft Labor Data 
Australia’s Economic Growth Slows in Q3 Despite Strong Investment Activity 
European Oil & Gas Stocks Face 2026 With Cautious Outlook Amid Valuation Pressure 
Japan’s Nikkei Drops as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
Citi Sets Bullish 2026 Target for STOXX 600 as Fiscal Support and Monetary Easing Boost Outlook 
Asian Currencies Steady as Rupee Hits Record Low Amid Fed Rate Cut Bets 
Asian Currencies Steady as Markets Await Fed Rate Decision; Indian Rupee Hits New Record Low 
Oil Prices Rise as Ukraine Targets Russian Energy Infrastructure 
Asian Markets Stabilize as Wall Street Rebounds and Rate Concerns Ease 
Asian Markets Mixed as RBI Cuts Rates and BOJ Signals Possible Hike 
Gold prices slipped in Asian trading on Thursday, extending losses from the previous session as the U.S. dollar rebounded following the Federal Reserve’s widely expected rate cut. Spot gold fell 0.7% to $3,635.55 an ounce by 02:24 ET (06:24 GMT), after touching a record $3,707.40 earlier this week. U.S. gold futures for December delivery dropped 1.3% to $3,670.45.
The Fed cut interest rates by 25 basis points to 4.00%–4.25%, marking its first reduction since December. Policymakers projected two additional cuts this year but only one in 2026, signaling a cautious approach. Chair Jerome Powell described the move as a “risk-management cut,” citing labor market weakness and employment risks. He emphasized that future decisions would be taken on a meeting-by-meeting basis, dampening expectations of aggressive easing.
Markets reacted with skepticism, as the U.S. Dollar Index rose 0.4% after hitting a 3-1/2 year low, pressuring bullion by making it more expensive for foreign buyers. Analysts at ING noted that while the Fed expects limited cuts to support growth and employment, investor doubts linger.
Despite the recent pullback, gold has surged nearly 39% year-to-date, fueled by monetary easing expectations, geopolitical tensions, and robust central bank demand. The cautious Fed outlook, however, prompted some profit-taking after bullion’s historic rally.
Other metals also weakened as the dollar gained strength. Silver futures dropped 1.1% to $41.72 per ounce, while platinum held steady at $1,370.80. Copper futures slipped 0.5%, with London prices at $9,945.80 a ton and U.S. contracts at $4.60 a pound.
The retreat highlights how shifting Fed policy and currency strength continue to shape precious and industrial metal markets, with investors balancing profit-taking against long-term safe-haven demand.
