Dow Hits 50,000 as U.S. Stocks Stage Strong Rebound Amid AI Volatility 
Oil Prices Slip as U.S.–Iran Talks Ease Supply Disruption Fears 
Asian Stocks Slip as Tech Rout Deepens, Japan Steadies Ahead of Election 
U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains 
South Korea’s Weak Won Struggles as Retail Investors Pour Money Into U.S. Stocks 
Silver Prices Plunge in Asian Trade as Dollar Strength Triggers Fresh Precious Metals Sell-Off 
Gold and Silver Prices Rebound After Volatile Week Triggered by Fed Nomination 
U.S. Stock Futures Edge Higher as Tech Rout Deepens on AI Concerns and Earnings 
Australia’s December Trade Surplus Expands but Falls Short of Expectations 
Oil Prices Slide on US-Iran Talks, Dollar Strength and Profit-Taking Pressure 
Fed Governor Lisa Cook Warns Inflation Risks Remain as Rates Stay Steady 
Vietnam’s Trade Surplus With US Jumps as Exports Surge and China Imports Hit Record 
Gold Prices Slide Below $5,000 as Strong Dollar and Central Bank Outlook Weigh on Metals 
Singapore Budget 2026 Set for Fiscal Prudence as Growth Remains Resilient 
Global Markets Slide as AI, Crypto, and Precious Metals Face Heightened Volatility 
Asian Markets Slip as AI Spending Fears Shake Tech, Wall Street Futures Rebound 
Japan Economy Poised for Q4 2025 Growth as Investment and Consumption Hold Firm 
Gold prices climbed in Asian trading on Thursday, supported by growing safe-haven demand amid ongoing concerns about U.S. debt levels and rising geopolitical risks. Spot gold rose 0.7% to $3,338.04 an ounce, while June gold futures gained 0.8% to $3,339.20 by early morning hours.
The precious metal remained strong after reports indicated Israel is prepared to strike Iran if nuclear talks with the U.S. falter. Although upcoming negotiations between Washington and Tehran helped ease immediate war concerns, markets remained cautious.
A key driver of gold’s rally this week has been investor anxiety over mounting U.S. debt. Moody’s recently downgraded the U.S. credit rating, citing fiscal risks, while Treasury yields spiked and demand for government bonds weakened. The U.S. Treasury’s $16 billion auction of 20-year notes on Wednesday saw soft interest.
Further pressure came from a Republican-supported tax cut and spending bill headed for a House vote. Analysts warn that expanded border security and defense spending, combined with tax reductions, could worsen the country’s debt outlook. Additionally, uncertainty over President Donald Trump’s trade policies continues to weigh on investor sentiment, adding to gold’s appeal.
A weaker U.S. dollar also helped lift other precious metals. Platinum futures rose 0.4% to $1,082.20 an ounce, and silver futures climbed 0.7% to $33.873.
Copper prices also advanced, driven by expectations of economic stimulus from China. London copper futures edged up 0.2% to $9,545.50 a ton, while U.S. copper futures surged 1.3% to $4.7175 a pound. Traders are optimistic after China cut its loan prime rate this week, signaling further support for economic growth and boosting hopes for stronger copper demand.
