Asian Stocks Edge Higher as Tech Recovers, U.S. Economic Uncertainty Caps Gains 
Canada Signals Delay in US Tariff Deal as Talks Shift to USMCA Review 
Yen Near Lows as Markets Await Bank of Japan Rate Decision, Euro Slips After ECB Signals Caution 
Asian Stocks Slide as AI Spending Fears and Global Central Bank Decisions Weigh on Markets 
U.S. Stock Futures Slip After CPI-Fueled Rally as Markets Weigh Economic Uncertainty 
Precious Metals Rally as Silver and Platinum Outperform on Rate Cut Bets 
Singapore Growth Outlook Brightens for 2025 as Economists Flag AI and Geopolitical Risks 
BOJ Poised for Historic Rate Hike as Japan Signals Shift Toward Monetary Normalization 
Japan Exports to U.S. Rebound in November as Tariff Impact Eases, Boosting BOJ Rate Hike Expectations 
Chinese Robotaxi Stocks Rally as Tesla Boosts Autonomous Driving Optimism 
Austan Goolsbee Signals Potential for More Fed Rate Cuts as Inflation Shows Improvement 
U.S. Stock Futures Edge Higher as Micron Earnings Boost AI Sentiment Ahead of CPI Data 
U.S. Dollar Steadies Near October Lows as Rate Cut Expectations Keep Markets on Edge 
Gold and Silver Surge as Safe Haven Demand Rises on U.S. Economic Uncertainty 
Dollar Holds Firm Ahead of Global Central Bank Decisions as Yen, Sterling and Euro React 
Japan Inflation Holds Firm in November as BOJ Nears Key Rate Hike Decision 
Asian Currencies Trade Sideways as Dollar Weakens Ahead of Key U.S. Data 
Gold prices soared to an all-time high in Asian trading on Monday, driven by a weaker U.S. dollar and renewed geopolitical tensions. Spot gold surged 1.4% to $3,374.93 per ounce, hitting a record $3,385.27 earlier, while June gold futures jumped 1.8% to $3,388.20.
The rally follows President Donald Trump’s plan to restructure the Federal Reserve, which rattled markets and pushed the dollar to a three-year low. White House advisor Kevin Hassett revealed that Trump is exploring the legal grounds to fire Fed Chair Jerome Powell, raising fears about the Fed’s independence and adding uncertainty to U.S. monetary policy.
A weaker dollar typically boosts gold prices by making the metal more attractive to foreign investors. Gold has also been supported by central bank buying, inflation concerns, and its role as a safe haven amid escalating global risks.
Geopolitical tensions between Russia and Ukraine added further momentum to bullion’s rise. Although Russian President Vladimir Putin declared a one-day Easter ceasefire on Saturday, Russia resumed missile and drone attacks on Ukraine early Monday. Both sides have accused each other of violating the short-lived truce, with no signs of an extension.
Silver futures rose 1% to $32.773 per ounce, while platinum futures held steady at $978.0.
Copper prices saw modest gains, supported by the dollar’s decline. However, concerns over potential U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports capped upside. London Metal Exchange copper futures edged up 0.3% to $9,231.0 a ton, while May copper futures gained 0.8% to $4.4733 per pound.
The combination of Fed uncertainty, global conflict, and inflation continues to drive strong demand for precious metals, positioning gold as a key safe-haven asset in 2025.
