Asian Markets Slip as Precious Metals Cool, Geopolitical Tensions Weigh on Sentiment 
China Manufacturing PMI Rebounds in December, Offering Boost to Economic Growth Outlook 
U.S. Dollar Slides Toward Biggest Annual Loss Since 2017 as 2026 Risks Loom 
U.S. Stocks Slip as Gold Rebounds Ahead of Year-End, Markets Eye 2026 Outlook 
Gold Prices Rebound in Europe as Geopolitical Tensions and Fed Outlook Support Bullion 
Oil Prices Slip Slightly as Markets Weigh Geopolitical Risks and Supply Glut Concerns 
South Korea Factory Output Misses Forecasts in November Amid Ongoing Economic Uncertainty 
Asia Manufacturing PMI Rebounds as Exports and Tech Demand Drive Growth into 2026 
South Korea Inflation Rises to 2.3% in December, Matching Market Expectations 
Japanese Business Leaders Urge Government Action as Weak Yen Strains Economy 
Forex Markets Hold Steady as Traders Await Fed Minutes Amid Thin Year-End Volumes 
China Imposes 55% Tariff on Beef Imports Above Quota to Protect Domestic Industry 
U.S. Dollar Starts 2026 Weak as Yen, Euro and Sterling Hold Firm Amid Rate Cut Expectations 
U.S. Stock Futures Slip as Year-End Trading Turns Cautious 
Trump Delays Tariff Increases on Furniture and Cabinets for One More Year 
U.S. Dollar Steadies Ahead of Fed Minutes as Markets Eye Policy Divisions 
Wall Street Ends Mixed as Tech and Financial Stocks Weigh on Markets Amid Thin Holiday Trading 
Gold prices surged to an all-time high in Asian trade on Tuesday as growing expectations of a Federal Reserve interest rate cut boosted demand for safe-haven assets. Spot gold reached $3,654.97 per ounce, while December futures peaked at $3,694.75/oz.
The rally was fueled by a weakening U.S. labor market, with nonfarm payrolls showing almost no job growth in August. This reinforced bets that the Fed will cut rates during its September 16–17 meeting. Markets are currently pricing in a 92.4% chance of a 25-basis-point cut and a 7.6% chance of a larger 50-basis-point reduction, according to CME FedWatch. Lower interest rates typically favor gold by reducing the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding assets compared to bonds.
Political turmoil in Europe also drove safe-haven flows, with French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou resigning after losing a confidence vote. His departure marks France’s fifth prime minister in less than two years, intensifying concerns over President Emmanuel Macron’s leadership and the country’s economic stability.
Geopolitical risks added further momentum, as the U.S. considered new sanctions against Russia following a deadly strike on Ukraine. Rising tensions underscored gold’s appeal as a hedge against uncertainty.
While Fed officials have signaled openness to rate cuts, they remain cautious about persistent inflation, especially as recent trade tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump raise price pressures. Investors are now awaiting August inflation data for more clarity on the Fed’s path forward.
With monetary easing prospects, political instability in Europe, and escalating geopolitical risks, gold continues to shine as investors seek safety in turbulent markets.
