China’s Companion Economy Booms as Young People Pay for Friendship and Travel Partners in 2026 
Japan Weighs Two-Year Food Tax Cut Starting in 2027 to Ease Cost-of-Living Pressure 
Australia Trade Surplus Jumps in April as Iron Ore and Coal Exports Surge 
Indonesia Passes New Central Bank Law, Raising Investor Concerns Over Policy Independence 
Putin’s ‘Russian Davos’ Draws U.S. Influencers, Officials, and Global Business Figures Amid Economic Struggles 
Australia Minimum Wage to Rise 4.75% as Inflation Pressures Persist 
US Dollar Rises on Middle East Tensions as Markets Monitor Iran-US Negotiations 
Gulf Tensions Escalate as Iranian Missile Attacks Fail and Nuclear Talks Remain Stalled 
Yen Nears 160 Per Dollar as Japan Signals Readiness for Currency Intervention 
Gold Prices Fall as Stronger Dollar and Iran Tensions Weigh on Market Sentiment 
U.S. Opens Public Comment Period on New U.S.-China Trade Board and Potential Tariff Cuts 
Asian Currencies Stabilize as U.S. Dollar Remains Strong Ahead of Key Jobs Data 
Asian Stocks Rally as AI Optimism and Tech Surge Lift Regional Markets in 2026 
US Stock Futures Slide as Broadcom Earnings Miss Sparks Chip Stock Selloff 
U.S. Proposes New Tariffs on Imports From 60 Economies Over Forced Labor Concerns 
China Services PMI Hits Three-Month High in May as Domestic Demand Strengthens 
Asian Stocks Slide as Tech and Chip Shares Retreat Amid Iran Conflict Concerns 
Gold prices edged higher during Asian trading on Thursday, recovering some losses from the previous session as investors assessed ongoing geopolitical risks in the Middle East and awaited crucial U.S. labor market data that could influence the Federal Reserve’s next interest rate decision.
Spot gold climbed 0.6% to $4,460.8 per ounce, while U.S. gold futures gained 0.5% to reach $4,486.84 per ounce. The precious metal had declined more than 1% on Wednesday after a stronger U.S. dollar weighed on market sentiment.
Investor attention remained focused on developments in the Middle East. The United States announced a ceasefire framework between Israel and Lebanon late Wednesday, though the agreement remains dependent on Hezbollah suspending military activity. While the announcement offered some optimism, traders continued to monitor regional tensions closely.
Fresh reports of conflict emerged during the week, including alleged Iranian missile strikes targeting Kuwait and Bahrain, alongside U.S. military operations against Iran’s Qeshm Island near the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, Israeli forces reportedly expanded operations in southern Lebanon, targeting areas associated with Hezbollah.
Oil prices retreated in Asian markets after posting gains for three consecutive sessions. The decline eased immediate concerns about rising energy costs and their potential impact on global inflation, providing some support for gold prices.
Market participants are now looking ahead to Friday’s highly anticipated U.S. nonfarm payrolls report. Recent economic indicators have painted a mixed picture of the labor market. Data from payroll processor ADP showed private-sector employers added 122,000 jobs in May, exceeding analyst expectations and improving from the previous month’s reading.
Additionally, the latest ISM services survey revealed that prices paid by U.S. service providers rose to their highest level since 2022, driven by increasing costs for petroleum products and other commodities. These figures strengthened expectations that the Federal Reserve may keep interest rates elevated for longer, a scenario that typically limits gains for non-yielding assets such as gold.
The U.S. Dollar Index slipped 0.1% after reaching a two-month high in the previous session. Among other precious metals, silver advanced 0.5% to $73.11 per ounce, while platinum rose 0.7% to $1,875.60 per ounce.
Traders will continue monitoring geopolitical developments, inflation trends, and upcoming economic data for further direction in the gold market and broader financial markets.
