Oil Prices Rise as Ukraine Targets Russian Energy Infrastructure 
IMF Deputy Dan Katz Visits China as Key Economic Review Nears 
Gold Prices Edge Higher as Markets Await Key U.S. PCE Inflation Data 
Japan’s Nikkei Drops as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
Asian Currencies Edge Higher as Markets Look to Fed Rate Cut; Rupee Steadies Near Record Lows 
Germany’s Economic Recovery Slows as Trade Tensions and Rising Costs Weigh on Growth 
Asian Currencies Steady as Markets Await Fed Rate Decision; Indian Rupee Hits New Record Low 
RBI Cuts Repo Rate to 5.25% as Inflation Cools and Growth Outlook Strengthens 
Gold Prices Steady as Markets Await Key U.S. Data and Expected Fed Rate Cut 
Asia’s IPO Market Set for Strong Growth as China and India Drive Investor Diversification 
Asian Currencies Steady as Rupee Hits Record Low Amid Fed Rate Cut Bets 
European Stocks Rise as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
Dollar Holds Steady as Markets Shift Focus to 2026 Rate Cut Expectations 
Europe Confronts Rising Competitive Pressure as China Accelerates Export-Led Growth 
Australia’s Economic Growth Slows in Q3 Despite Strong Investment Activity 
U.S. Futures Steady as Rate-Cut Bets Rise on Soft Labor Data 
Asian Markets Mixed as Fed Rate Cut Bets Grow and Japan’s Nikkei Leads Gains 
Gold prices advanced in Asian trading on Monday, staying close to last week’s all-time highs as optimism over further U.S. interest rate cuts lifted demand for bullion. Spot gold gained 0.3% to $3,697.70 an ounce, while gold futures rose 0.7% to $3,733.10 by 01:33 ET (05:33 GMT). Prices touched a record $3,707.70/oz last week.
The Federal Reserve’s 25 basis-point rate cut last week, aimed at offsetting rising labor market risks, fueled bullish sentiment for gold. The Fed signaled more cuts could follow if job market weakness persists, although policymakers still flagged potential inflationary risks from tariffs. Markets now expect at least another 50 bps of cuts this year, according to CME FedWatch. Lower rates generally support gold, a non-yielding asset, by reducing the opportunity cost of holding it.
A stronger dollar, however, limited gold’s upward momentum, as the greenback recovered from its weakest level in more than three-and-a-half years.
Other precious metals also strengthened. Spot silver rose 1.3% to $43.65/oz, while platinum climbed 0.8% to $1,419.90/oz. Industrial metals saw modest gains, with London copper futures up 0.1% at $10,001.10 a ton and COMEX copper futures rising 0.1% to $4.6315 per pound.
This week’s focus shifts to key U.S. economic data and commentary from Federal Reserve officials. Fed Chair Jerome Powell is scheduled to speak Tuesday, while Friday’s release of the PCE price index—the Fed’s preferred inflation gauge—is expected to show sticky price pressures. Core PCE inflation is forecast to remain above the Fed’s 2% target. Additional data, including September’s PMI readings and a final revision to Q2 GDP, will also guide market expectations for monetary policy.
