South Korea Remains MSCI Emerging Market Despite Reform Progress 
Morgan Stanley Sees Chinese Auto Market Recovery Gaining Momentum in Late Summer 
South Korea’s KOSPI Plunges as Apple Price Hikes and OpenAI IPO Delay Shake AI Chip Stocks 
Malaysia Central Bank Moves to Support Ringgit Amid Foreign Fund Outflows 
US Dollar Slips After PCE Inflation Data Eases Fed Rate Hike Expectations 
Japan Signals Preference for Low Interest Rates as BOJ Policy Debate Intensifies 
SpaceX Eyes Starlink Mobile Phone Service to Challenge Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile 
Australia Jobs Growth Strengthens Rate Hike Outlook 
S&P Affirms Brazil’s BB Credit Rating with Stable Outlook Amid Fiscal Challenges 
Asian Currencies Trade Mixed as Yen Hovers Near 40-Year Low, Dollar Holds Firm on Fed Outlook 
Bank Regulation Rollbacks in the U.S. and UK Could Increase Financial Risks, Study Warns 
Oil Prices Drop as Strait of Hormuz Shipping Recovers 
Trump Requests $11 Billion More in Farm Aid as Rising Costs Pressure U.S. Farmers 
Asian Markets Rally as Micron and Qualcomm AI Outlook Lifts Global Tech Stocks 
U.S. Dollar Reaches One-Year High as Tech Sell-Off and Fed Rate Hike Expectations Support Demand 
Wall Street Ends Mixed as Micron Surges, Apple Drops After Price Hikes 
South Korea’s KOSPI Jumps Over 5% as Samsung, SK Hynix Rally on Micron Earnings Boost 
Gold prices edged slightly lower on Friday, hovering near one-month lows after a volatile trading session. The precious metal continues to face pressure following consecutive monthly declines, as global economic uncertainty and geopolitical tensions reshape investor sentiment.
Spot gold dipped 0.2% to $4,613.77 per ounce, while gold futures declined 0.1% to $4,626.75 per ounce. Trading activity remained subdued due to market holidays across Europe and Asia, contributing to choppy price movements.
The gold market has struggled in recent months, with prices falling about 1% in April after a sharp 12% drop in March. A key driver behind this decline is the strengthening U.S. dollar, which has attracted investors seeking safety amid rising inflation concerns linked to the ongoing Iran conflict. Surging oil prices, fueled by disruptions in global crude supply, have further reduced gold’s appeal as a hedge.
Central bank policies are also weighing heavily on gold prices. The Federal Reserve, along with the European Central Bank, Bank of England, and Bank of Japan, has signaled a more hawkish stance in response to energy-driven inflation. Expectations of higher interest rates typically hurt non-yielding assets like gold, as investors shift toward interest-bearing instruments.
Meanwhile, other precious metals showed mixed performance. Silver gained 2.2% to $75.35 per ounce despite a monthly decline, while platinum rose modestly to $2,000.30 per ounce after recording slight gains in April.
Geopolitical developments continue to influence market dynamics. Tensions between the United States and Iran remain unresolved, with limited progress in peace negotiations. Reports suggest Iran has submitted a revised proposal through mediators, raising hopes for de-escalation. However, uncertainty persists after U.S. leadership expressed dissatisfaction with the current terms.
Control over the Strait of Hormuz remains a critical concern, as the strategic waterway plays a vital role in global oil supply. Ongoing disruptions have intensified inflation fears, further boosting the dollar and limiting gold’s upside.
Overall, gold prices remain under pressure as investors balance geopolitical risks, inflation concerns, and shifting monetary policy, making the outlook for the precious metal uncertain in the near term.
