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Asian Stocks Mixed as South Korea Slides on Profit-Taking, Japan and China Gain on Strong Factory Data 
South Korean Stocks Tumble as AI Chip Selloff Hits Asian Markets 
US Dollar Rises as Fed Rate Outlook Stays Hawkish, Euro Slips and Yen Near 40-Year Low 
Wall Street Futures Rise Ahead of JOLTS Data, Nike Earnings, and U.S.-Iran Talks 
Central Banks Eye Gold, Reduce Dollar Exposure as AI Adoption Accelerates: OMFIF Survey 
Japan Signals Surprise Yen Intervention Strategy as BOJ Hawkish Stance Puts FX Traders on Alert 
Australia Trade Balance Swings to Surprise Deficit as Imports Outpace Exports in May 
UK House Prices Hold Steady in June as Annual Growth Misses Forecasts 
US Stock Futures Hold Steady Ahead of June Jobs Report as Fed Rate Outlook Remains in Focus 
Asian Stocks Slide as Chip Shares Tumble Ahead of Key U.S. Jobs Report 
Gold Price Hits Annual Low as Fed Rate Hike Bets and Sticky Inflation Weigh on Bullion 
Gold prices experienced a slight decline during Asian trading on Tuesday, continuing a downward trend fueled by a robust U.S. dollar and expectations of smaller interest rate cuts.
Gold Prices Under Pressure
Spot gold fell 0.1% to $2,645.74 per ounce, while December gold futures dropped 0.1% to $2,662.10 per ounce as of 23:52 ET (03:52 GMT). The metal's inability to reach September's peaks highlights the ongoing pressure from the dollar, which surged to a two-month high on Monday. Hawkish remarks from Federal Reserve officials, particularly Governor Christopher Waller, have further strengthened the dollar by emphasizing a cautious approach to interest rate reductions. Current trading suggests an over 80% probability of a 25 basis point cut in November, compared to the larger 50 basis point cut in September.
Higher interest rates typically diminish gold's appeal, as they increase the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding assets like bullion. This dynamic has contributed to gold's recent struggles.
Industrial Metals Retreat
Meanwhile, industrial metals also faced challenges, with copper prices retreating due to ongoing concerns regarding China, the top importer. Benchmark copper futures on the London Metal Exchange fell 0.2% to $9,633.50 per ton, as investors reacted to mixed signals about China's stimulus plans. Although the Ministry of Finance announced an increase in fiscal spending, the lack of specific details led to disappointment among investors.
Despite positive trade data indicating a rise in Chinese copper imports, the overall trade balance fell more than expected, further intensifying worries about China's economic stability.
In summary, gold and copper prices are under significant pressure due to strong dollar and economic concerns in China, which could have lasting implications for investors in the metals market.
