South Korea’s KOSPI Triggers Trading Curb as AI Chip Stock Selloff Deepens 
Asian Stocks Slide as Oil Surge, U.S.-Iran Tensions and Fed Rate Bets Weigh on Markets 
Singapore GDP Grows 5.7% in Q2 2026 as AI-Driven Manufacturing Boosts Economy 
Asian Currencies Stay Rangebound as Middle East Tensions, Weak China GDP Weigh on Sentiment 
China Trade Surplus Hits $125.6 Billion as June Exports, Imports Smash Forecasts 
ECB's Kocher Says No Inflation Spillover Yet From Iran Conflict, Warns Risks Remain 
South Korea’s KOSPI Enters Bear Market Despite Remaining 2026’s Best-Performing Major Stock Index 
European Stocks Slip as Middle East Tensions and Hormuz Threat Rattle Markets 
South Korea Central Bank Set to Raise Interest Rates as Inflation Stays Elevated 
Dollar Eases as Middle East Conflict, Fed Outlook and Japan Pension Policy Drive FX Markets 
US Inflation Expected to Ease in June, but Fed Rate Hike Risks Persist Amid Middle East Tensions 
Asia Stocks Slip as Iran-Hormuz Tensions Lift Oil Prices, Dollar and Bond Yields 
Goldman Sees Foreign Investors Driving India Stock Market Recovery 
Asian Stocks Rise as Softer U.S. Inflation Boosts Sentiment Despite Middle East Tensions 
Dollar Rises as Middle East Conflict Fuels Inflation and Rate Hike Fears 
Gold Price Holds Near $4,000 as Middle East Tensions and Fed Rate Hike Bets Grow 
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.
