U.S.–Taiwan Trade Agreement Sets 15% Tariff, Boosts Energy and Semiconductor Investment 
Australian Central Bank Signals Tough Stance as Inflation Pressures Persist 
China CPI Growth Slows While Producer Deflation Eases in January 
Asian Currencies Edge Higher as Dollar Retreats Ahead of Key U.S. Data 
Yen Strengthens as Japan Election Boosts Confidence, Dollar Wavers Ahead of U.S. Jobs Data 
Japan, U.S. Speed Up Talks on $550 Billion Investment Deal Amid Tariff Pressure 
Gold and Silver Prices Rise as Falling U.S. Yields Signal Softer Economy Ahead of Key Jobs Data 
Asian Currencies Rise as Dollar Weakens Ahead of U.S. Payrolls Data; Aussie Hits Three-Year High 
Asian Markets Slip as Tech Stocks Tumble Ahead of Key U.S. Inflation Data 
Japan Weighs Using Foreign Exchange Reserve Surplus to Fund Food Tax Cuts 
Japan Warns on Yen Volatility as Currency Surges Against Dollar 
India–US Trade Deal: Digital Tax Removal and $500 Billion Purchase Commitment Signal Major Policy Shift 
Nikkei 225 Surges Past 58,000 as Japan Stocks Rally on Takaichi Stimulus Boost 
House Votes to End Trump’s Canada Tariff Emergency, Senate Showdown Looms 
Wall Street Mixed as Retail Sales Stall and Investors Await Key Jobs Report 
Asian Stock Markets Rise as Australian Shares Rally; Investors Eye U.S. Jobs Data and China Inflation 
Gold prices stabilized in early Asian trading on Friday after slipping below crucial technical levels, as investors weighed uncertainty surrounding the future path of U.S. interest rates. Market attention has now shifted to the upcoming U.S. consumer price index (CPI) data, which could offer fresh insight into Federal Reserve policy and the broader outlook for precious metals.
Spot gold edged down 0.1% to $4,915.40 per ounce, while April gold futures fell 0.1% to $4,937.60 per ounce. The yellow metal had dropped more than 3% in the previous session, erasing much of this week’s gains and putting it on track for a third consecutive weekly loss. Persistent volatility in the gold market has weakened its traditional safe-haven appeal.
Silver prices also steadied after plunging nearly 10% in the prior session. Spot silver held at $75.060 per ounce, while platinum rebounded above the $2,000 mark after suffering sharp losses. Despite the brief recovery, precious metals remain fragile following a broader selloff earlier this month.
Uncertainty over U.S. monetary policy continues to pressure gold and silver prices. Stronger-than-expected nonfarm payrolls data for January signaled resilience in the labor market, raising concerns that the Federal Reserve may delay interest rate cuts. The U.S. dollar recovered from weekly lows after the jobs report, adding further strain on metal prices, as a stronger dollar typically weighs on commodities priced in the currency.
Adding to market jitters, President Donald Trump’s nomination of Kevin Warsh as the next Federal Reserve Chairman has fueled speculation of a less dovish stance on interest rates. Since gold prices often move inversely to interest rate expectations, any signs of prolonged higher rates could limit upside momentum.
Investors are now closely watching January’s U.S. inflation report. With inflation and employment data central to Federal Reserve decisions, the CPI release could set the near-term direction for gold, silver, and other precious metals.
