South Korea Inflation Rises to 2.3% in December, Matching Market Expectations 
Asian Currencies Trade Flat as Dollar Weakens in Thin New Year Trading 
Asian Markets End Year on AI Optimism as Precious Metals and Currencies Shine 
China Manufacturing PMI Rebounds in December, Offering Boost to Economic Growth Outlook 
Oil Prices Slip Slightly as Markets Weigh Geopolitical Risks and Supply Glut Concerns 
Asian Markets Slip as Precious Metals Cool, Geopolitical Tensions Weigh on Sentiment 
South Korea Factory Activity Returns to Growth in December on Export Rebound 
U.S. Dollar Slides Toward Biggest Annual Loss Since 2017 as 2026 Risks Loom 
Oil Prices Stabilize at Start of 2026 as OPEC+ Policy and Geopolitical Risks Shape Market Outlook 
USDA $12 Billion Farm Aid Program Draws Mixed Reactions from Row Crop Farmers 
U.S. Dollar Steadies Ahead of Fed Minutes as Markets Eye Policy Divisions 
Trump Delays Tariff Increases on Furniture and Cabinets for One More Year 
U.S. Stock Index Futures Steady as Markets Await Fed Policy Clues in Holiday-Thinned Trade 
China Imposes 55% Tariff on Beef Imports Above Quota to Protect Domestic Industry 
Forex Markets Hold Steady as Traders Await Fed Minutes Amid Thin Year-End Volumes 
South Korea Exports Hit Record High as Global Trade Momentum Builds 
Gold prices were largely unchanged during Asian trading on Friday as investors remained cautious ahead of the highly anticipated U.S. jobs data, while ongoing geopolitical tensions continued to underpin bullion’s strength for the week. Market participants avoided aggressive positions as they assessed the potential impact of U.S. labor market data on the Federal Reserve’s future policy direction.
Spot gold traded nearly flat at $4,474.20 an ounce in early Asian hours, while U.S. gold futures edged down 0.3% to $4,483.60. Despite the subdued session, gold was on track to post a weekly gain of more than 3%, following a sharp rally earlier in the week. The surge came after heightened U.S.-Venezuela tensions, including a U.S. military operation that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, which boosted demand for safe-haven assets.
The upside in gold prices was partially capped by a stronger U.S. dollar. The U.S. Dollar Index climbed to a one-month high, making gold more expensive for holders of other currencies. A firm dollar typically weighs on gold prices, even as broader macroeconomic factors remain supportive.
Investor focus was firmly on the upcoming U.S. nonfarm payrolls report, a key indicator of labor market health. The data is expected to offer fresh insight into inflation trends and the Federal Reserve’s interest rate outlook. Traders are increasingly pricing in two additional U.S. interest rate cuts in 2026, following the Fed’s rate reduction in December. Lower interest rates tend to favor gold, as the metal becomes more attractive in a low-yield environment.
Geopolitical uncertainty continued to provide underlying support for bullion. While the U.S. Senate moved to advance measures aimed at limiting further military action in Venezuela, President Donald Trump indicated that U.S. oversight of the situation could extend for years, reinforcing safe-haven demand.
Other metal markets also posted gains. Silver rose 0.4% to $77.23 per ounce, platinum advanced 0.4% to $2,275.60, and palladium surged 5% to $1,872.50. Copper prices strengthened as well, with London Metal Exchange futures up 1.3% to $12,867.20 a ton and U.S. copper futures gaining 1% to $5.86 a pound.
