Japan’s Nikkei Drops as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
Citi Sets Bullish 2026 Target for STOXX 600 as Fiscal Support and Monetary Easing Boost Outlook 
U.S. Futures Steady as Rate-Cut Bets Rise on Soft Labor Data 
Asian Currencies Steady as Rupee Hits Record Low Amid Fed Rate Cut Bets 
European Oil & Gas Stocks Face 2026 With Cautious Outlook Amid Valuation Pressure 
Asian Markets Mixed as Fed Rate Cut Bets Grow and Japan’s Nikkei Leads Gains 
Gold Prices Edge Higher as Markets Await Key U.S. PCE Inflation Data 
Asia’s IPO Market Set for Strong Growth as China and India Drive Investor Diversification 
Dollar Slides to Five-Week Low as Asian Stocks Struggle and Markets Bet on Fed Rate Cut 
European Stocks Rise as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
Asian Markets Mixed as RBI Cuts Rates and BOJ Signals Possible Hike 
IMF Deputy Dan Katz Visits China as Key Economic Review Nears 
Austria’s AA Credit Rating Affirmed as Fitch Highlights Stable Outlook 
U.S. Stocks Rise as Cooler Inflation Boosts Hopes for Fed Rate Cut 
BOJ Faces Pressure for Clarity, but Neutral Rate Estimates Likely to Stay Vague 
Europe Confronts Rising Competitive Pressure as China Accelerates Export-Led Growth 
Gold prices surged in Asian trading on Friday as geopolitical tensions escalated following Israel’s preemptive airstrikes on Iran, targeting numerous military and nuclear facilities. The strikes triggered a wave of safe-haven buying, sending spot gold up 1.5% to $3,436.97 per ounce, while August Gold Futures climbed 1.6% to $3,459.60.
The attack, which struck “dozens” of Iranian sites, prompted air raid sirens in Israel and emergency alerts, while Tehran responded by activating air defenses amid reports of widespread explosions. U.S. officials confirmed that Israel acted independently, without American military involvement. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated that Israel’s actions were in self-defense, distancing the U.S. from direct participation.
The geopolitical spike added to existing bullish momentum driven by economic uncertainty. Earlier in the week, gold benefited from lingering concerns over U.S.-China trade talks, which showed signs of progress but lacked clarity. Additionally, easing U.S. inflation data—highlighted by increased jobless claims and subdued producer price growth—has strengthened market expectations for Federal Reserve interest rate cuts. Lower interest rates tend to benefit gold, which yields no income but retains value in times of uncertainty.
The heightened risk of a broader regional conflict in the Middle East could keep demand for safe-haven assets like gold elevated in the near term.
In other metals, Silver Futures rose 1% to $36.625 an ounce, approaching a 13-year high. Platinum Futures dipped 0.8% but held near a four-year peak. Meanwhile, industrial metals retreated, with London Copper Futures falling 0.3% to $9,678.70 per ton and U.S. Copper Futures slipping 0.5% to $4.8195 per pound.
The ongoing geopolitical crisis and softening economic indicators continue to drive investor demand for precious metals.
