Fed Rate Cut Signals Balance Between Inflation and Jobs, Says Mary Daly 
BOJ Expected to Deliver December Rate Hike as Economists See Borrowing Costs Rising Through 2025 
South Korea Extends Bond Market Stabilization Measures Amid Rising Financial Risks 
China’s Small Bank Consolidation Struggles as Profits Fall and Risks Persist 
Japan Business Sentiment Hits Four-Year High, Boosting Expectations of BOJ Rate Hike 
Global Markets Slide as Tech Stocks Sink, Yields Rise, and AI Concerns Deepen 
Wall Street Futures Dip as Broadcom Slides, Tech Weighed Down Despite Dovish Fed Signals 
Modi and Trump Hold Phone Call as India Seeks Relief From U.S. Tariffs Over Russian Oil Trade 
ASX Shares Slide After ASIC Imposes A$150 Million Capital Requirement 
Asian Currencies Hold Steady as Indian Rupee Slides to Record Low on Fed Outlook 
Mexico Moves to Increase Tariffs on Asian Imports to Protect Domestic Industries 
Russia Stocks End Flat as Energy and Retail Shares Show Mixed Performance 
Gold Prices Dip as Markets Absorb Dovish Fed Outlook; Silver Eases After Record High 
Asian Currencies Steady as Fed Delivers Hawkish Rate Cut; Aussie and Rupee Under Pressure 
S&P 500 Slides as AI Chip Stocks Tumble, Cooling Tech Rally 
Ireland Limits Planned Trade Ban on Israeli Settlements to Goods Only 
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.
