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Gold Price Holds Near Record High as Cooling U.S. Inflation Offsets Fed Caution 
Dollar Rises as Middle East Conflict Fuels Inflation and Rate Hike Fears 
Dollar Holds Steady Ahead of U.S. CPI as Oil Surge, Middle East Tensions Keep Markets on Edge 
Dollar Slides as Softer US Inflation Dims Fed Rate Hike Expectations 
Goldman Sees Foreign Investors Driving India Stock Market Recovery 
China Trade Surplus Hits $125.6 Billion as June Exports, Imports Smash Forecasts 
European Stocks Slip as Middle East Tensions and Hormuz Threat Rattle Markets 
Singapore GDP Grows 5.7% in Q2 2026 as AI-Driven Manufacturing Boosts Economy 
South Korea’s KOSPI Triggers Trading Curb as AI Chip Stock Selloff Deepens 
China Q2 2026 GDP Misses Forecast as Weak Domestic Demand Offsets Export Strength 
Asian Stocks Rally as Cooling U.S. Inflation Boosts Fed Rate Cut Hopes 
Oil Prices Climb as Trump Escalates Iran Pressure, Strait of Hormuz Risks Grow 
China Home Prices Fall Again in June Despite Slower Pace of Decline 
Australian Business Conditions Hold Steady as Easing Cost Pressures Face New Oil Price Risks 
South Korea’s KOSPI Enters Bear Market Despite Remaining 2026’s Best-Performing Major Stock Index 
South Korea Central Bank Set to Raise Interest Rates as Inflation Stays Elevated 
Gold prices climbed during Asian trading on Wednesday as a softer U.S. dollar and declining oil prices supported investor demand for the precious metal. Market sentiment improved after signs of easing tensions in the Middle East reduced immediate concerns over rising inflation and supply disruptions.
Spot gold increased 1.8% to $4,637.14 per ounce, while U.S. Gold Futures for June delivery gained 1.7% to $4,647.31. The precious metal had already posted nearly a 1% gain in the previous trading session, continuing its upward momentum in global commodity markets.
Investor focus shifted after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Washington would temporarily halt operations aimed at restoring commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Trump also indicated that a potential agreement with Iran could be reached soon, signaling a move toward diplomacy after days of heightened geopolitical tensions.
Earlier this week, fears of conflict escalation intensified after the launch of the “Project Freedom” initiative, which aimed to secure maritime routes through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran’s military response pushed oil prices sharply higher, raising concerns about global inflation and possible prolonged supply disruptions.
However, oil prices fell during Asian trading following Trump’s latest comments, easing inflation worries and helping support gold prices. Lower crude oil prices reduced expectations that central banks, particularly the U.S. Federal Reserve, would need to maintain higher interest rates for an extended period. Since gold is a non-yielding asset, lower interest rate expectations typically strengthen demand for bullion.
The weaker U.S. dollar also contributed to gold’s gains, making the metal more affordable for international buyers. The U.S. Dollar Index (DXY) slipped 0.2% during early Asian trading hours.
Other precious metals also advanced, with silver prices surging 3% to $75.08 per ounce, while platinum rose 1.7% to $1,990.72 per ounce.
