Bank of Korea Downplays Liquidity’s Role in Weak Won and Housing Price Surge 
China’s November Economic Data Signals Slowing Industrial Output and Weak Consumer Demand 
Wall Street Futures Slip as Tech Stocks Struggle Ahead of Key US Economic Data 
Asian Technology and Chipmaking Stocks Slide as AI Spending Concerns Shake Markets 
Korea Zinc to Build $7.4 Billion Critical Minerals Refinery in Tennessee With U.S. Government Backing 
Chinese Robotaxi Stocks Rally as Tesla Boosts Autonomous Driving Optimism 
Gold and Silver Surge as Safe Haven Demand Rises on U.S. Economic Uncertainty 
Asian Currencies Trade Sideways as Dollar Weakens Ahead of Key U.S. Data 
New Zealand Budget Outlook Shows Prolonged Deficits Despite Economic Recovery Hopes 
Australian Consumer Sentiment Slumps in Early December as Inflation Fears Resurface 
Silver Prices Hit Record High as Safe-Haven Demand Surges Amid U.S. Economic Uncertainty 
RBA Unlikely to Cut Interest Rates in 2026 as Inflation Pressures Persist, Says Westpac 
Japan PMI Data Signals Manufacturing Stabilization as Services Continue to Drive Growth 
Oil Prices Slip in Asia as 2026 Supply Glut Fears and Russia-Ukraine Talks Weigh on Markets 
Dollar Struggles as Markets Eye Key Central Bank Decisions and Global Rate Outlooks 
Asian Fund Managers Turn More Optimistic on Growth but Curb Equity Return Expectations: BofA Survey 
South Korea Warns Weak Won Could Push Inflation Higher in 2025 
Gold prices stabilized in Asian markets on Tuesday, following a pullback triggered by mixed signals around the Israel-Iran conflict and U.S. involvement. Spot gold edged up 0.2% to $3,392.25 per ounce, while August gold futures slipped 0.2% to $3,410.70.
Monday saw bullion surge above $3,450 before reversing, as reports of Iran seeking a ceasefire sparked risk-on sentiment. However, Iran later denied any intention to negotiate under Israeli attacks. U.S. President Donald Trump intensified concerns with a stark warning to “immediately evacuate Tehran,” though the White House clarified the U.S. would not engage directly in the conflict.
Despite the heightened geopolitical risk, reports from Axios suggested Washington is still pursuing diplomatic talks with Tehran regarding both a ceasefire and the nuclear deal, though no date has been confirmed. Uncertainty over Middle East developments continues to influence gold market direction.
Meanwhile, broader precious and industrial metals were under pressure as investors await the Federal Reserve’s policy decision. The Fed is expected to keep rates unchanged, but traders are watching Chair Jerome Powell’s comments for signals on future monetary policy.
Among other metals, silver rose 0.2% to $36.503 per ounce, while platinum dipped 0.1% to $1,239.90. Copper prices weakened, with London futures down 0.4% to $9,674.75 per ton, and U.S. copper flat at $4.8163 per pound. Despite a softer U.S. dollar, sentiment remained cautious ahead of the Fed announcement.
Citi analysts warned that gold could drop below $3,000 in the coming quarters as the current rally loses momentum. Investor demand for safe-haven assets like gold may also decline if geopolitical tensions ease and interest rates remain elevated.
