Fed Meeting Sparks Division as Markets Brace for Possible Rate Cut 
U.S. Futures Steady as Rate-Cut Bets Rise on Soft Labor Data 
U.S. Stocks Rise as Cooler Inflation Boosts Hopes for Fed Rate Cut 
Oil Prices Rise as Ukraine Targets Russian Energy Infrastructure 
Austria’s AA Credit Rating Affirmed as Fitch Highlights Stable Outlook 
Dollar Weakens Ahead of Expected Federal Reserve Rate Cut 
European Oil & Gas Stocks Face 2026 With Cautious Outlook Amid Valuation Pressure 
Oil Prices Hold Steady as Ukraine Tensions and Fed Cut Expectations Support Market 
Vietnam’s November Trade Sees Monthly Decline but Strong Year-on-Year Growth 
Asian Currencies Edge Higher as Markets Look to Fed Rate Cut; Rupee Steadies Near Record Lows 
Asian Markets Mixed as Fed Rate Cut Bets Grow and Japan’s Nikkei Leads Gains 
Asian Currencies Steady as Rupee Hits Record Low Amid Fed Rate Cut Bets 
BOJ Faces Pressure for Clarity, but Neutral Rate Estimates Likely to Stay Vague 
Gold Prices Edge Higher as Markets Await Key U.S. PCE Inflation Data 
Asian Markets Mixed as RBI Cuts Rates and BOJ Signals Possible Hike 
European Stocks Rise as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
Gold prices edged higher in Asian trade on Monday, lifted by safe-haven demand as U.S.-China trade relations worsened and investors reacted to fresh signals of potential interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve. Spot gold rose 0.8% to $3,315.68 an ounce, while August futures gained 0.7% to $3,338.52/oz.
Tensions flared after U.S. President Donald Trump accused China of breaching a trade agreement signed in Geneva, despite offering no specifics. China strongly denied the accusations and vowed to defend its national interests. This uncertainty, combined with Trump’s threat to double tariffs on steel and aluminum from 25% to 50%, triggered risk-off sentiment in global markets, driving investors toward gold and other safe assets.
The rally in gold was further supported by weakness in the U.S. dollar, following dovish comments from Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller. He stated that he supports rate cuts later in the year, noting that recent tariffs had minimal impact on inflation. Waller emphasized that cuts would depend on tariff levels staying relatively low, and highlighted growing concerns about the U.S. economy, citing recent Treasury market volatility.
A softer dollar boosted broader metal markets. Silver futures rose 0.6% to $33.220/oz, while copper futures on the London Metal Exchange advanced 0.7% to $9,580.85 per ton, despite weaker-than-expected Chinese PMI data for May. Platinum futures, however, slipped 0.5% to $1,050.10/oz.
Investors remain cautious amid escalating trade tensions and monetary policy uncertainty, both of which are fueling volatility across metals markets. With geopolitical risks mounting, gold continues to attract buyers seeking stability, while the Fed's dovish tone adds further upside potential for precious metals.
