Dollar Near Two-Week High as Stock Rout, AI Concerns and Global Events Drive Market Volatility 
Australia’s December Trade Surplus Expands but Falls Short of Expectations 
Singapore Budget 2026 Set for Fiscal Prudence as Growth Remains Resilient 
Oil Prices Slip as U.S.–Iran Talks Ease Supply Disruption Fears 
South Korea’s Weak Won Struggles as Retail Investors Pour Money Into U.S. Stocks 
Gold and Silver Prices Slide as Dollar Strength and Easing Tensions Weigh on Metals 
Japan Economy Poised for Q4 2025 Growth as Investment and Consumption Hold Firm 
South Korea Assures U.S. on Trade Deal Commitments Amid Tariff Concerns 
RBI Holds Repo Rate at 5.25% as India’s Growth Outlook Strengthens After U.S. Trade Deal 
Dow Hits 50,000 as U.S. Stocks Stage Strong Rebound Amid AI Volatility 
China Extends Gold Buying Streak as Reserves Surge Despite Volatile Prices 
Oil Prices Slide on US-Iran Talks, Dollar Strength and Profit-Taking Pressure 
Thailand Inflation Remains Negative for 10th Straight Month in January 
U.S. Stock Futures Edge Higher as Tech Rout Deepens on AI Concerns and Earnings 
Asian Stocks Slip as Tech Rout Deepens, Japan Steadies Ahead of Election 
Trump Signs Executive Order Threatening 25% Tariffs on Countries Trading With Iran 
Vietnam’s Trade Surplus With US Jumps as Exports Surge and China Imports Hit Record 
Gold Prices Surge Amid U.S. Election Uncertainty
Gold prices increased on Tuesday, hovering near a record high reached the previous day due to ongoing uncertainties surrounding the U.S. election and escalating tensions in the Middle East. Spot gold rose by 0.5% to $2,732.44 per ounce, while U.S. gold futures climbed 0.3% to $2,746.20.
This precious metal, often viewed as a hedge against political and geopolitical instability, hit an all-time high of $2,740.37 on Monday, marking a more than 32% increase for the year. IG market strategist Yeap Jun Rong noted, “A confluence of tailwinds remains in place for gold,” including its appeal amidst U.S. election uncertainties and geopolitical risks, alongside robust central bank demand.
With the U.S. presidential election just over two weeks away, political figures like former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris are locked in a competitive battle for key states. Recent developments, such as Israel's military actions against Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza, have further fueled geopolitical tensions.
Traders anticipate an 89% probability of a 25-basis-point interest rate cut by the U.S. Federal Reserve in November, according to the CME FedWatch tool. Notably, gold's rally persists despite a stronger dollar and rising treasury yields, which recently hit a 12-week high.
In related markets, spot silver rose 0.9% to $34.05 per ounce, while Citi Research has revised its silver price forecast to $40 per ounce. Platinum and palladium also saw gains, rising 0.6% and 1.1%, respectively.
