Yen Near 40-Year Lows Despite BOJ Rate Hike, Markets Brace for Possible Intervention 
US Stock Futures Jump on Reports of Preliminary US-Iran Peace Deal Despite Fed’s Hawkish Outlook 
Japan Signals Readiness to Intervene as USD/JPY Nears 161 Amid Yen Weakness 
BOJ Signals More Rate Hikes as Inflation Risks Rise Amid Energy Price Pressures 
Oil Prices Ease as Markets Weigh U.S.-Iran Peace Deal and Strait of Hormuz Reopening 
Europe EV Demand Surges as Fuel Prices Rise Amid Iran Conflict 
ASX Proposes New Share Dilution Limits for Public Takeovers 
German Auto Suppliers Turn Bearish as Investment and Jobs Shift Overseas 
Asian Stocks Rally as Japan and South Korea Reach Record Highs on US-Iran Peace Deal 
Japan Inflation Stays Below BOJ Target Despite Rate Hike and Rising Energy Cost Risks 
Oil Prices Drop as U.S.-Iran Peace Deal Eases Supply Concerns 
Asian Stocks Surge as Oil Prices Fall and Strong US Dollar Weighs on Markets 
Oil Prices Steady as U.S.-Iran Truce Uncertainty and Middle East Tensions Keep Markets on Edge 
Fed Chair Kevin Warsh Signals Policy Overhaul as Hawkish Rate Outlook Rattles Markets 
Gold Prices Slide as Hawkish Fed and Strong Dollar Weigh on Bullion 
Asian Currencies Steady as Dollar Holds Firm Ahead of Fed Decision and US-Iran Deal Details 
Gold prices extended their rally for a fourth consecutive session on Monday, building on last week’s strong gains as renewed U.S. tariffs and mixed economic data fueled demand for safe-haven assets. Investors turned to bullion amid rising geopolitical tensions and uncertainty surrounding global trade policy.
Spot gold rose 0.8% to $5,143.55 per ounce by 19:53 ET (00:53 GMT), while U.S. gold futures advanced 1.7% to $5,165.86. The precious metal had already gained more than 1% last week, supported by heightened tensions between the United States and Iran, which triggered a broader risk-off sentiment across global markets.
Market volatility intensified after U.S. President Donald Trump announced a new 10% tariff on global imports for 150 days under Section 122 of U.S. trade law. The move followed a U.S. Supreme Court decision that struck down an earlier, more comprehensive tariff structure. The administration later increased the tariff rate to 15%, the maximum permitted under the statute, raising concerns about retaliatory actions and disruptions to global supply chains.
The latest tariff measures pressured risk assets, prompting investors to seek refuge in traditional safe havens such as gold and U.S. Treasuries. Ongoing uncertainty about the scope, duration, and potential legal challenges surrounding the tariffs has further supported gold prices.
Economic data also strengthened bullion’s appeal. U.S. gross domestic product grew at an annualized rate of 1.4% in the fourth quarter, signaling a notable slowdown from the previous quarter. Meanwhile, the Personal Consumption Expenditures price index—the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation gauge—rose 2.9% year-over-year in December, with core inflation near 3%, remaining above the Fed’s 2% target.
Slowing economic growth combined with persistent inflation has reinforced gold’s role as a hedge against economic uncertainty and inflation, supporting its upward momentum in global commodity markets.
