Fed Meeting Sparks Division as Markets Brace for Possible Rate Cut 
BOJ Faces Pressure for Clarity, but Neutral Rate Estimates Likely to Stay Vague 
Oil Prices Rise as Ukraine Targets Russian Energy Infrastructure 
Asian Currencies Edge Higher as Markets Look to Fed Rate Cut; Rupee Steadies Near Record Lows 
European Stocks Rise as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
Austria’s AA Credit Rating Affirmed as Fitch Highlights Stable Outlook 
Asian Currencies Steady as Rupee Hits Record Low Amid Fed Rate Cut Bets 
U.S. Stocks Rise as Cooler Inflation Boosts Hopes for Fed Rate Cut 
U.S. Stocks End Week Higher as Markets Anticipate Fed Rate Cut 
European Oil & Gas Stocks Face 2026 With Cautious Outlook Amid Valuation Pressure 
Asian Markets Mixed as RBI Cuts Rates and BOJ Signals Possible Hike 
Dollar Slides to Five-Week Low as Asian Stocks Struggle and Markets Bet on Fed Rate Cut 
Gold Prices Edge Higher as Markets Await Key U.S. PCE Inflation Data 
China Urged to Prioritize Economy Over Territorial Ambitions, Says Taiwan’s President Lai 
Europe Confronts Rising Competitive Pressure as China Accelerates Export-Led Growth 
Spain’s Industrial Output Records Steady Growth in October Amid Revised September Figures 
Gold prices held steady in Asian trading Monday as investors awaited high-level U.S.-China trade talks in London. While broader risk appetite improved, demand for safe-haven assets remained supported by economic uncertainty and a softer U.S. dollar.
Spot gold traded at $3,310.61 per ounce, while August futures dipped 0.5% to $3,330.65. Despite strong nonfarm payrolls data, bullion remains near historic highs, just $200 below its all-time record.
Weaker dollar sentiment gave precious metals some room to advance. Meanwhile, platinum outperformed the market, jumping over 2% to a four-year high of $1,194.85. The rally came on the back of tightening supply forecasts and a break above the $1,100 technical level, which further fueled bullish momentum. Growing investor demand has added to platinum’s strength, positioning it as a viable alternative to gold and silver.
Silver futures edged up 0.2% to $36.205, maintaining levels near a 14-year high.
In contrast, copper prices showed little movement. London Metal Exchange copper futures rose just 0.1% to $9,698.70 per ton, while U.S. copper futures stood flat at $4.8508 per pound. The lackluster performance followed weak Chinese trade data showing copper imports fell 18% in May from April’s peak.
China’s broader import decline and signs of continued disinflation raised concerns over cooling domestic demand. With high U.S. tariffs still in place and local consumption subdued, fears of weaker copper demand persist, weighing on prices despite recent gains.
Investors are closely watching the outcome of today’s U.S.-China trade meeting, hoping for signs of a durable truce or improved relations between the two economic superpowers, which could shift market sentiment in the days ahead.
