South Korea’s KOSPI Jumps Over 5% as Samsung, SK Hynix Rally on Micron Earnings Boost 
Asian Markets Rally as Micron and Qualcomm AI Outlook Lifts Global Tech Stocks 
Gold Drops Below $4,000 as Strong US Dollar and Fed Rate Hike Expectations Pressure Bullion 
Bessent Says U.S. Must Strengthen Supply Chains and Economic Security 
Asian Stocks Sink as Apple Price Hikes Spark AI Valuation Fears, South Korea and Japan Lead Selloff 
US Dollar Slips After PCE Inflation Data Eases Fed Rate Hike Expectations 
Gold Prices Rise Above $4,000 as Inflation Data and Weaker Dollar Boost Demand 
Bank Regulation Rollbacks in the U.S. and UK Could Increase Financial Risks, Study Warns 
South Korea Remains MSCI Emerging Market Despite Reform Progress 
Australia Jobs Growth Strengthens Rate Hike Outlook 
BOJ Hawk Signals Faster Interest Rate Hikes Amid Inflation Risks 
Wall Street Ends Mixed as Micron Surges, Apple Drops After Price Hikes 
Japan Signals Preference for Low Interest Rates as BOJ Policy Debate Intensifies 
Morgan Stanley Sees Chinese Auto Market Recovery Gaining Momentum in Late Summer 
Asian Currencies Trade Mixed as Yen Hovers Near 40-Year Low, Dollar Holds Firm on Fed Outlook 
S&P Affirms Brazil’s BB Credit Rating with Stable Outlook Amid Fiscal Challenges 
South Korea’s KOSPI Plunges as Apple Price Hikes and OpenAI IPO Delay Shake AI Chip Stocks 
Gold prices moved lower on Thursday as a stronger U.S. dollar and rising geopolitical uncertainty pressured the precious metals market. Investors closely monitored escalating tensions in the Middle East, particularly the ongoing standoff between the United States and Iran, which continues to cloud the outlook for global markets.
Spot gold declined by 1.1% to $4,690.23 per ounce, while gold futures dropped 1% to $4,706.31 per ounce during late morning trading. The decline highlights how sensitive gold prices are to currency movements, especially as the U.S. dollar gains strength. A stronger dollar typically makes gold more expensive for international buyers, reducing demand and weighing on prices.
Market sentiment remained cautious as uncertainty persists around potential U.S.-Iran negotiations. Although former President Donald Trump extended a ceasefire earlier this week, both Washington and Tehran appear unwilling to compromise. Iran has insisted that U.S. sanctions be lifted before talks resume, while the U.S. has demanded full access to the Strait of Hormuz. The continued blockade in this critical oil passage has intensified concerns over global energy supply disruptions.
Oil prices surged above $100 per barrel, fueling fears of an energy shock that could drive inflation higher. This scenario increases the likelihood of central banks maintaining or raising interest rates. Higher interest rates tend to reduce the appeal of non-yielding assets like gold, further contributing to its recent decline.
The U.S. dollar, often seen as a safe-haven asset, is on track for its first weekly gain this month as investors seek stability amid geopolitical risks. This shift has added additional downward pressure on gold and other precious metals.
Silver prices fell 3% to $75.37 per ounce, while platinum dropped 3.5% to $2,015.35 per ounce. Analysts note that silver has pulled back nearly 10% from recent highs, with technical indicators suggesting uncertainty in its short-term direction.
Overall, the outlook for gold prices remains closely tied to U.S. dollar strength, interest rate expectations, and ongoing geopolitical developments.
