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Asian Currencies Steady as Dollar Holds Firm After U.S. Inflation Data 
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Trump Imposes New US Tariffs on Drone Imports Over National Security Concerns 
Oil Prices Fall as U.S. Crude Inventories Surge and Hormuz Tensions Persist 
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Gold Prices Surge to New Heights
Gold prices reached a record high during Asian trading on Monday, extending last week's rally amid growing safe-haven demand due to uncertainties surrounding the U.S. presidential election and escalating tensions in the Middle East, particularly Israel's threats against Iran.
Precious Metals Rally
Spot gold climbed 0.4% to an all-time high of $2,732.86 per ounce, while December futures increased by 0.6% to $2,747.70. Silver also saw significant gains, surging 3.1% to $34.328 per ounce, marking its highest level since September 2012. Platinum futures rose by 0.6% to $1,031.15 per ounce.
Economic Factors Impacting Prices
Despite the dollar hovering near its highest levels since early August, precious metal prices strengthened as traders anticipated a slower pace of interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve. Analysts expect a 25 basis point cut in November, as the U.S. economy shows signs of resilience.
Industrial Metals Gain Momentum
Copper prices also firmed following an unexpected interest rate cut by China, the world's top copper importer. Benchmark copper futures rose 1.2% to $9,746.00 per ton, while December futures increased to $4.4450 per pound. However, uncertainty surrounding the timing and scale of China's stimulus measures has led to cautious trading.
