Japanese Yen Holds Steady as Intervention Hopes Grow Ahead of U.S. CPI Data 
Asian Stocks Rise as Softer U.S. Inflation Boosts Sentiment Despite Middle East Tensions 
Gold Price Holds Near $4,000 as Middle East Tensions and Fed Rate Hike Bets Grow 
Australia Consumer Sentiment Rises in July as Fuel Price Relief Lifts Confidence 
Singapore GDP Grows 5.7% in Q2 2026 as AI-Driven Manufacturing Boosts Economy 
Dollar Holds Steady Ahead of U.S. CPI as Oil Surge, Middle East Tensions Keep Markets on Edge 
China Home Prices Fall Again in June Despite Slower Pace of Decline 
Oil Prices Rise as U.S. Strikes on Iran Raise Strait of Hormuz Supply Fears 
Oil Prices Climb as Trump Escalates Iran Pressure, Strait of Hormuz Risks Grow 
European Stocks Slip as Middle East Tensions and Hormuz Threat Rattle Markets 
South Korea’s KOSPI Triggers Trading Curb as AI Chip Stock Selloff Deepens 
South Korea Raises Interest Rates to 2.75% as Inflation and Weak Won Drive Tightening 
Dollar Slides as Softer US Inflation Dims Fed Rate Hike Expectations 
UBS Boosts China Tech Bets, Adds Kuaishou and Meituan to Focus List 
ECB's Kocher Says No Inflation Spillover Yet From Iran Conflict, Warns Risks Remain 
Gold Price Holds Near Record High as Cooling U.S. Inflation Offsets Fed Caution 
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.
