Trump Requests $11 Billion More in Farm Aid as Rising Costs Pressure U.S. Farmers 
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S&P Affirms Brazil’s BB Credit Rating with Stable Outlook Amid Fiscal Challenges 
South Korea’s KOSPI Jumps Over 5% as Samsung, SK Hynix Rally on Micron Earnings Boost 
Bank Regulation Rollbacks in the U.S. and UK Could Increase Financial Risks, Study Warns 
Wall Street Ends Mixed as Tech Stocks Struggle Ahead of Micron Earnings 
Asian Currencies Trade Mixed as Yen Hovers Near 40-Year Low, Dollar Holds Firm on Fed Outlook 
Iran Attack in Strait of Hormuz Pushes Oil Prices Higher 
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Bessent Says U.S. Must Strengthen Supply Chains and Economic Security 
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SpaceX Eyes Starlink Mobile Phone Service to Challenge Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile 
Gold Falls Below $4,000 as Strong Dollar and Fed Rate Hike Expectations Weigh on Prices 
Wall Street Ends Mixed as Micron Surges, Apple Drops After Price Hikes 
South Korea’s KOSPI Plunges as Apple Price Hikes and OpenAI IPO Delay Shake AI Chip Stocks 
White House Seeks $87.6 Billion Emergency Funding for Iran War, Farmers, and Ebola Response 
Oil Prices Drop as Middle East Supply Recovery Eases Market Concerns 
Gold prices declined during Asian trading on Monday after recording solid gains last week, as rising oil prices and a stronger U.S. dollar reduced investor demand for the precious metal. Market sentiment shifted after U.S. President Donald Trump rejected Iran’s latest response to a proposed peace agreement, raising concerns over prolonged geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
Spot gold fell 0.8% to $4,677.82 per ounce, while U.S. gold futures dropped 0.8% to $4,694.34 in early trading. Despite the decline, gold had gained more than 2% last week amid hopes that a potential U.S.-Iran deal could ease tensions and stabilize global energy markets.
Investor confidence weakened after Trump reportedly described Tehran’s latest proposal as “totally unacceptable,” signaling a possible deadlock in negotiations. Iran’s counteroffer allegedly sought sanctions relief, security assurances, and recognition of parts of its nuclear program, while Washington continued to demand stricter limits on uranium enrichment and expanded international oversight.
At the same time, oil prices surged sharply. Brent crude climbed over 3% to trade above $104 per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude approached $99. Higher oil prices increased fears that global inflation could remain elevated, potentially forcing central banks, including the Federal Reserve, to maintain higher interest rates for longer periods.
The stronger U.S. dollar also pressured gold prices. The U.S. Dollar Index rose 0.1% in Asian trading after stronger-than-expected U.S. payroll data reinforced expectations that the Federal Reserve may delay interest rate cuts. A firmer dollar typically makes gold more expensive for foreign buyers, reducing overall demand.
Investors are now closely watching upcoming U.S. inflation reports and Trump’s scheduled visit to China later this week. Discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping are expected to focus on Iran, trade relations, and global energy security.
Other precious metals also moved lower, with silver falling 0.7% to $79.76 per ounce and platinum dropping 1.3% to $2,031.60 per ounce.
