US Stock Futures Steady as US-Iran Tensions and Fed Inflation Concerns Weigh on Markets 
Gold Prices Slip as Stronger Dollar, Fed Rate Outlook Weigh on Bullion 
Wall Street Rises as SK Hynix’s Record Nasdaq Debut Steals Spotlight Ahead of U.S. CPI Data 
Japan Wholesale Inflation Jumps as Energy Shock Drives Import Costs Higher 
Fed Chair Kevin Warsh Launches Task Forces to Overhaul U.S. Monetary Policy Framework 
Venezuela Earthquake Death Toll Climbs to 3,811 as Government Seeks Sanctions Relief 
US Launches New Iran Strikes as Strait of Hormuz Conflict Escalates, Oil Prices Rise 
Germany Seen Gaining as U.S. China-Built Ship Fees Reshape Trade 
Japan Producer Inflation Hits 7.1% in June, Fueling BOJ Rate Hike Expectations 
Oil Prices Slip but Stay on Track for Weekly Gains as U.S.-Iran Conflict Persists 
Fed Reaffirms 2% Inflation Goal, Vows Forceful Action to Anchor Price Expectations 
US Stock Futures Steady as Oil Prices Ease, Iran Talks Boost Market Sentiment 
Japan Eyes Bigger GPIF Investment in Domestic Assets as BOJ Independence Concerns Grow 
Asian Stocks Rise as AI Chip Rally Offsets Middle East Tensions 
Dollar Ends Week Higher as Yen Jumps on Japan Pension Fund Investment Plans 
Gold Prices Slip as U.S.-Iran Conflict, Fed Rate Hike Bets Pressure Precious Metals 
US Back-to-School Spending Seen Falling as Families Focus on Essentials 
Gold prices surged in Asian trading Thursday, driven by growing safe-haven demand amid rising Middle East tensions and uncertainty over U.S. trade policy. Spot gold climbed 0.6% to $3,374.94 per ounce, while August futures jumped 1.5% to $3,394.60.
Geopolitical concerns intensified after reports indicated Israel was preparing for potential military action against Iran if nuclear negotiations with the U.S. falter. U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed the evacuation of personnel from Iraq and nearby regions, heightening fears of conflict. Iran responded with threats to target U.S. bases if provoked, deepening investor anxiety. These developments fueled strong demand for gold and other precious metals, traditionally viewed as safe-haven assets.
Uncertainty surrounding U.S.-China trade talks further boosted gold’s appeal. Despite some progress being reported, a lack of concrete details kept investors on edge. Trump's announcement that he will soon send letters outlining tariff plans to key global partners—dimming hopes for broader trade agreements—also rattled markets. Currently, only a finalized deal with the UK and a framework with China have been disclosed.
A weakening dollar supported gains across metals. Platinum futures rose 0.8% to $1,251.65, a four-year high, while silver gained 0.7% to $36.515, hovering near a 13-year peak. Copper also advanced, with London futures up 0.5% to $9,699.70 per ton and U.S. copper up 0.4% to $4.8242 per pound.
However, Goldman Sachs warned platinum’s rally might be short-lived, projecting a retreat into the $800–$1,150 range due to weaker Chinese demand, declining automotive usage amid EV growth, and rising output from South Africa. Despite a 37.3% year-to-date gain, platinum's sustainability remains in question as market fundamentals shift.
