Japan Exports to U.S. Rebound in November as Tariff Impact Eases, Boosting BOJ Rate Hike Expectations 
Gold and Silver Prices Dip as Markets Await Key U.S. Economic Data 
Asian Markets Rebound as Tech Rally Lifts Wall Street, Investors Brace for BOJ Rate Hike 
Asian Fund Managers Turn More Optimistic on Growth but Curb Equity Return Expectations: BofA Survey 
BOJ Poised for Historic Rate Hike as Japan Signals Shift Toward Monetary Normalization 
Chinese Robotaxi Stocks Rally as Tesla Boosts Autonomous Driving Optimism 
Gold and Silver Surge as Safe Haven Demand Rises on U.S. Economic Uncertainty 
BoE Set to Cut Rates as UK Inflation Slows, but Further Easing Likely Limited 
Asian Stocks Slide as AI Spending Fears and Global Central Bank Decisions Weigh on Markets 
Canada Signals Delay in US Tariff Deal as Talks Shift to USMCA Review 
U.S. Stock Futures Edge Higher as Micron Earnings Boost AI Sentiment Ahead of CPI Data 
Asian Currencies Trade Sideways as Dollar Weakens Ahead of Key U.S. Data 
Asian Stocks Edge Higher as Tech Recovers, U.S. Economic Uncertainty Caps Gains 
Singapore Growth Outlook Brightens for 2025 as Economists Flag AI and Geopolitical Risks 
Bank of Korea Downplays Liquidity’s Role in Weak Won and Housing Price Surge 
RBA Unlikely to Cut Interest Rates in 2026 as Inflation Pressures Persist, Says Westpac 
New Zealand Business Confidence Hits 30-Year High as Economic Outlook Improves 
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.
