Asian Markets End Year on AI Optimism as Precious Metals and Currencies Shine 
U.S. Stocks Slip as Gold Rebounds Ahead of Year-End, Markets Eye 2026 Outlook 
Singapore GDP Growth Surges in 2025 but Outlook Remains Cautious Amid Global Trade Risks 
Gold Prices Rebound in Europe as Geopolitical Tensions and Fed Outlook Support Bullion 
South Korea Factory Activity Returns to Growth in December on Export Rebound 
Trump Delays Tariff Increases on Furniture and Cabinets for One More Year 
South Korea Factory Output Misses Forecasts in November Amid Ongoing Economic Uncertainty 
South Korea Exports Hit Record High as Global Trade Momentum Builds 
South Korea Inflation Rises to 2.3% in December, Matching Market Expectations 
China Imposes 55% Tariff on Beef Imports Above Quota to Protect Domestic Industry 
USDA $12 Billion Farm Aid Program Draws Mixed Reactions from Row Crop Farmers 
Asian Markets Slip as Precious Metals Cool, Geopolitical Tensions Weigh on Sentiment 
U.S. Stock Futures Slip as Year-End Trading Turns Cautious 
U.S. Dollar Steadies Ahead of Fed Minutes as Markets Eye Policy Divisions 
U.S. Dollar Starts 2026 Weak as Yen, Euro and Sterling Hold Firm Amid Rate Cut Expectations 
Forex Markets Hold Steady as Traders Await Fed Minutes Amid Thin Year-End Volumes 
Oil Prices Slide in 2025 as Oversupply and Geopolitical Risks Shape Market Outlook 
Gold prices surged to fresh all-time highs during Asian trading on Monday, driven by strong safe-haven demand amid escalating geopolitical and trade tensions. Spot gold climbed 1.8% to $4,675.55 an ounce by late evening ET, after briefly touching a record peak of $4,690.75 earlier in the session. U.S. gold futures also gained momentum, rising 1.9% to $4,681.10 an ounce, reflecting heightened investor appetite for precious metals.
The rally extended last week’s powerful uptrend, during which gold recorded consecutive record highs. Expectations of U.S. interest rate cuts have been a key driver, as softer economic data and easing inflation pressures have reinforced the case for the Federal Reserve to begin monetary easing later this year. Lower interest rates typically boost gold prices by reducing the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding assets, making bullion more attractive in uncertain economic environments.
Geopolitical developments further supported the gold market. U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to impose new tariffs on eight European nations that oppose his proposal for the United States to acquire Greenland. According to Trump, a 10% tariff on goods from the affected countries will take effect on February 1, with the rate potentially increasing to 25% by June if negotiations fail. The targeted nations include major economies such as France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, as well as several Nordic and northern European countries.
The announcement sparked criticism from European officials and raised concerns over a widening transatlantic trade dispute. These fears prompted investors to shift capital into safe-haven assets like gold and silver. Silver prices also soared, jumping more than 4% to reach a new record high of $94.03 an ounce. The metal has benefited not only from safe-haven flows but also from its importance in industrial applications, particularly in renewable energy and electronics.
Adding to bullish sentiment, renewed tensions in the Middle East, including concerns involving Iran, have amplified geopolitical risk. Together, trade uncertainty, geopolitical instability, and expectations of U.S. rate cuts have created a highly supportive environment for precious metals, pushing gold prices to unprecedented levels and reinforcing its role as a hedge against global uncertainty.
