ASX Proposes New Share Dilution Limits for Public Takeovers 
Asian Stocks Surge as Oil Prices Fall and Strong US Dollar Weighs on Markets 
Dollar Surges After Fed Holds Rates Steady, Signals Potential Tightening Ahead 
Asian Stocks Advance as Nikkei Nears Record High Ahead of Fed Decision 
German Auto Suppliers Turn Bearish as Investment and Jobs Shift Overseas 
Asian Currencies Stabilize as Dollar Holds Near Two-Month High After Fed Hawkish Signal 
Dollar Hits One-Month High as Hawkish Fed Outlook Boosts Greenback 
Fed Chair Kevin Warsh Signals Policy Overhaul as Hawkish Rate Outlook Rattles Markets 
Gold Prices Slide as Hawkish Fed and Strong Dollar Weigh on Bullion 
Asian Currencies Steady as Dollar Holds Firm Ahead of Fed Decision and US-Iran Deal Details 
Oil Prices Ease as Markets Weigh U.S.-Iran Peace Deal and Strait of Hormuz Reopening 
Oil Prices Slide as U.S.-Iran Deal and Hormuz Reopening Ease Supply Concerns 
BOJ Signals More Rate Hikes as Inflation Risks Rise Amid Energy Price Pressures 
Canada Imposes 10% Tariff on Canned Vegetable Imports to Protect Domestic Industry 
Japan Signals Readiness to Intervene as USD/JPY Nears 161 Amid Yen Weakness 
Trump and Iran Sign Framework Peace Deal in France Amid Ongoing Middle East Tensions 
German Industry Employment Falls to Lowest Level in a Decade 
Gold prices remained mostly stable during Asian trading on Wednesday as investors stayed cautious amid ongoing geopolitical tensions and concerns over persistent U.S. inflation. Market participants closely watched developments surrounding the stalled U.S.-Iran negotiations and an upcoming meeting between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Spot gold slipped 0.2% to $4,705.50 per ounce, while U.S. gold futures gained 0.6% to trade at $4,713.00 an ounce. Despite safe-haven demand, bullion prices have remained rangebound this week due to rising Treasury yields and a stronger U.S. dollar.
Investor sentiment weakened after Trump stated that talks with Iran were on “life support” following Tehran’s rejection of a U.S.-supported proposal intended to ease tensions and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The ongoing Middle East conflict has continued to disrupt oil shipments through the strategic waterway, increasing concerns over global energy supply and inflationary pressures.
Markets are also focused on the May 14-15 summit between Trump and Xi in Beijing. Discussions are expected to include trade relations, Taiwan, the Iran conflict, and global supply chain stability. Traders are hopeful the high-level meeting could provide clarity on future U.S.-China relations and broader economic risks.
Meanwhile, recent U.S. inflation data added pressure to gold prices. Consumer prices rose 0.6% in April, while annual inflation climbed to 3.8%, marking the highest level since mid-2023. Rising energy costs linked to Middle East instability were a key driver behind the increase. Core inflation also exceeded forecasts, strengthening expectations that the Federal Reserve may keep interest rates elevated for longer.
A stronger dollar and higher borrowing costs typically reduce the appeal of non-yielding assets like gold. Investors are now awaiting U.S. producer price index data for additional signals on inflation trends and future Federal Reserve policy decisions.
Among other precious metals, spot silver rose 0.2% to $86.78 per ounce, while platinum fell 0.8% to $2,113.80 per ounce.
