BoE Set to Cut Rates as UK Inflation Slows, but Further Easing Likely Limited 
Oil Prices Rebound as Trump Orders Blockade of Sanctioned Venezuelan Tankers 
U.S. Dollar Steadies Near October Lows as Rate Cut Expectations Keep Markets on Edge 
Oil Prices Slip in Asia as 2026 Supply Glut Fears and Russia-Ukraine Talks Weigh on Markets 
Japan PMI Data Signals Manufacturing Stabilization as Services Continue to Drive Growth 
Asian Currencies Slip as Dollar Strengthens; Indian Rupee Rebounds on Intervention Hopes 
Asian Stocks Edge Higher as Tech Recovers, U.S. Economic Uncertainty Caps Gains 
Bank of Korea Downplays Liquidity’s Role in Weak Won and Housing Price Surge 
Gold and Silver Prices Dip as Markets Await Key U.S. Economic Data 
Silver Prices Hit Record High as Safe-Haven Demand Surges Amid U.S. Economic Uncertainty 
Gold and Silver Surge as Safe Haven Demand Rises on U.S. Economic Uncertainty 
Wall Street Futures Slip as Tech Stocks Struggle Ahead of Key US Economic Data 
RBA Unlikely to Cut Interest Rates in 2026 as Inflation Pressures Persist, Says Westpac 
New Zealand Budget Outlook Shows Prolonged Deficits Despite Economic Recovery Hopes 
Asian Fund Managers Turn More Optimistic on Growth but Curb Equity Return Expectations: BofA Survey 
Oil Prices Climb on Venezuela Blockade, Russia Sanctions Fears, and Supply Risks 
Singapore Growth Outlook Brightens for 2025 as Economists Flag AI and Geopolitical Risks 
Gold Prices Rise Amid Lower Yields, Rate Cut Expectations
Gold prices continued their upward trajectory on Thursday, nearing record highs as declining U.S. Treasury yields and anticipated interest rate cuts by major central banks provided support. Spot gold rose 0.2% to $2,678.90 per ounce, while December gold futures increased by 0.1% to $2,694.40 per ounce.
The softening of Treasury yields, particularly the 10-year rate, which fell by 0.5%, bolstered bullion. Speculation about a second Trump presidency and its potential inflationary effects contributed to a stronger dollar but did not dampen gold's momentum. Investors are closely watching for a 25 basis-point rate cut from the European Central Bank later in the day, which could further influence gold's performance.
Trump Presidency Speculation Impacts Market Sentiment
Political developments in the U.S. have played a role in market dynamics, with Donald Trump gaining traction in online betting markets. His policies, expected to drive inflation, have affected Treasury yields and strengthened the U.S. dollar. With just weeks before the election, traders remain cautious about the economic outlook.
Copper Declines as China Stimulus Fails to Impress
In contrast, copper prices continued their decline, reflecting disappointment over China’s latest economic stimulus measures for the property sector. Benchmark copper futures dropped 0.6% to $9,548.50 per ton, while December futures fell to $4.3445 per pound.
The briefing from China’s housing minister outlined expanded developer funding but lacked substantial new measures, leaving investors skeptical. With Chinese third-quarter GDP data expected soon, markets are on edge regarding further economic growth.
