Japan to Audit Brazil’s Beef System, Paving Way for Market Access 
Gold Prices Rebound in Europe as Geopolitical Tensions and Fed Outlook Support Bullion 
Vietnam Central Bank Faces Challenges Meeting 2026 Economic Growth Target Amid Global Uncertainty 
China’s Iron Ore Buyer Pressures Mining Giants as New Supply Shifts Market Power 
China’s Central Bank to Launch New Digital Yuan Management Framework from January 1 
U.S. Stock Index Futures Steady Ahead of Holiday-Shortened Trading Week 
South Korea Factory Output Misses Forecasts in November Amid Ongoing Economic Uncertainty 
China Industrial Profits Slump Signals Need for More Economic Stimulus 
Russian Stocks End Mixed as MOEX Index Closes Flat Amid Commodity Volatility 
Wall Street Ends Post-Christmas Session Flat as Investors Eye Santa Claus Rally 
Oil Prices Rise as Ukraine Peace Talks and Middle East Tensions Stir Supply Concerns 
BOJ Signals Further Rate Hikes as Inflation and Weak Yen Remain in Focus 
Silver Prices Hit Record Highs: How Silver Is Traded and Why Demand Is Surging 
Asian Stock Markets Trade Narrowly as Year-End Volumes Thin, KOSPI Outperforms on Tech Rally 
European Markets Mixed as Pound Weakens and Major Corporate Deals Emerge 
U.S. Dollar Steadies Ahead of Fed Minutes as Markets Eye Policy Divisions 
Hong Kong Home Prices Rise for Sixth Straight Month as Rate Cuts Lift Market Sentiment 
Gold prices hovered close to a six-week high on Monday, lifted by a softer U.S. dollar and rising expectations that the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates later this month. Spot gold inched up 0.2% to $4,240.55 per ounce by 02:32 ET (06:32 GMT), after touching an early high of $4,256.20. U.S. gold futures climbed 0.5% to $4,274.55, extending last week’s strong rally that saw bullion surge more than 4%.
The weakening U.S. Dollar Index—trading at a two-week low—enhanced the appeal of gold for international buyers. Risk-off sentiment across global markets further supported demand for safe-haven assets, helping gold maintain its upward momentum. Traders are now pricing in an 87% chance of a 25-basis-point Fed rate cut in December, driven by softer U.S. economic indicators and signs that inflation continues to ease. However, the lack of fresh data following the prolonged government shutdown has kept some investors cautious, especially amid mixed signals from Federal Reserve policymakers.
Political developments also added intrigue to the market. U.S. President Donald Trump said over the weekend that he has already decided whom he will nominate as the next Federal Reserve Chair, though he declined to name the candidate. The comments reignited speculation around potential picks such as Kevin Hassett, former Fed Governor Kevin Warsh, and current Governor Christopher Waller—each of whom could influence the Fed’s policy direction and the pace of future rate cuts.
While gold remained in focus, other metals delivered a mixed performance. Silver futures rose 0.4% to $56.65 per ounce after briefly hitting a new record of $57.815. Platinum futures were up 0.7% at $1,700.60. Copper prices were more subdued, with London Metal Exchange benchmark futures steady at $11,207.20 per ton and U.S. copper futures at $5.30 per pound. Fresh data from China showed factory activity contracting for an eighth consecutive month, adding pressure to industrial metals.
