US Stock Futures Hold Steady as Soft Inflation Data Eases Fed Rate Hike Fears 
Asian Stocks Slide as Oil Surge, U.S.-Iran Tensions and Fed Rate Bets Weigh on Markets 
US Inflation Expected to Ease in June, but Fed Rate Hike Risks Persist Amid Middle East Tensions 
Dollar Holds Steady Ahead of U.S. CPI as Oil Surge, Middle East Tensions Keep Markets on Edge 
South Korea’s KOSPI Enters Bear Market Despite Remaining 2026’s Best-Performing Major Stock Index 
Oil Prices Climb as Trump Escalates Iran Pressure, Strait of Hormuz Risks Grow 
Australian Business Conditions Hold Steady as Easing Cost Pressures Face New Oil Price Risks 
U.S. Imposes 25% Tariff on Select Brazilian Imports After Section 301 Trade Investigation 
China Home Prices Fall Again in June Despite Slower Pace of Decline 
Port of Los Angeles Posts Record June Cargo Volume as Importers Rush Ahead of U.S. Tariffs 
Oil Prices Surge as U.S.-Iran Conflict Escalates and Strait of Hormuz Risks Grow 
South Korea Raises Interest Rates to 2.75% as Inflation and Weak Won Drive Tightening 
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 
Asian Stocks Rise as Softer U.S. Inflation Boosts Sentiment Despite Middle East Tensions 
Oil Prices Rise as U.S. Strikes on Iran Raise Strait of Hormuz Supply Fears 
Gold prices soared to a historic high above $5,100 per ounce on Monday, extending a powerful rally as investors flocked to the precious metal amid escalating geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty. Spot gold climbed 2.2% to around $5,089 per ounce in early trading, after briefly touching an all-time high of $5,110.50. U.S. gold futures for February delivery rose by a similar margin, reflecting strong global demand for the safe-haven asset.
The yellow metal has delivered an extraordinary performance, rising 64% in 2025 so far, marking its strongest annual gain since 1979. This surge has been fueled by a combination of factors, including heightened geopolitical risks, expectations of U.S. monetary policy easing, aggressive central bank purchases, and record inflows into gold-backed exchange-traded funds. China, in particular, has continued its gold accumulation, reporting its fourteenth consecutive month of purchases in December.
Gold prices have already gained more than 18% this year and have set multiple record highs over the past week. Analysts point to growing concerns about U.S. political stability and policy unpredictability as a key driver of investor sentiment. Market participants have cited recent statements and trade threats from U.S. President Donald Trump as contributing to a broader loss of confidence in U.S. assets, prompting investors to seek refuge in gold.
The rally has also been supported by a weaker U.S. dollar, which has been pressured by a strengthening Japanese yen and caution ahead of the upcoming Federal Reserve meeting. A softer dollar typically boosts gold prices by making the metal more affordable for buyers using other currencies.
Looking ahead, analysts remain bullish on gold’s outlook. Some forecasts suggest prices could approach $6,000 per ounce later this year, driven by sustained safe-haven demand, central bank buying, and strong retail interest. While short-term pullbacks are possible as investors take profits, experts believe any corrections are likely to be brief.
Other precious metals have followed gold higher. Silver surged nearly 5% to above $107 per ounce after recently breaking the $100 mark for the first time, while platinum and palladium also reached multi-year or record highs, supported by tight physical supply and robust investor demand.
