Asian Stocks Rise as Softer U.S. Inflation Boosts Sentiment Despite Middle East Tensions 
US Inflation Expected to Ease in June, but Fed Rate Hike Risks Persist Amid Middle East Tensions 
Australia Consumer Sentiment Rises in July as Fuel Price Relief Lifts Confidence 
China Trade Surplus Hits $125.6 Billion as June Exports, Imports Smash Forecasts 
Asian Currencies Weaken as Stronger Dollar Weighs, Yen Supported by GPIF Repatriation Hopes 
Dollar Slides as Softer US Inflation Dims Fed Rate Hike Expectations 
Dollar Eases as Middle East Conflict, Fed Outlook and Japan Pension Policy Drive FX Markets 
Gold Price Holds Near Record High as Cooling U.S. Inflation Offsets Fed Caution 
Dollar Holds Steady Ahead of U.S. CPI as Oil Surge, Middle East Tensions Keep Markets on Edge 
Singapore GDP Grows 5.7% in Q2 2026 as AI-Driven Manufacturing Boosts Economy 
Asian Stocks Rally as Cooling U.S. Inflation Boosts Fed Rate Cut Hopes 
Japanese Yen Holds Steady as Intervention Hopes Grow Ahead of U.S. CPI Data 
Asian Currencies Stay Rangebound as Middle East Tensions, Weak China GDP Weigh on Sentiment 
Iraq PM Visits Washington as U.S. Oil, Gas Deals Take Center Stage 
ECB's Kocher Says No Inflation Spillover Yet From Iran Conflict, Warns Risks Remain 
Gold Price Holds Near $4,000 as Middle East Tensions and Fed Rate Hike Bets Grow 
Gold Prices Fall as US-Iran Conflict, Rising Oil Prices Fuel Fed Rate Concerns 
Gold prices moved higher during Asian trading on Thursday after recording their strongest daily gain since March, supported by a weaker U.S. dollar and easing concerns over inflation linked to Middle East tensions. Investors also reacted positively to reports suggesting progress toward a potential peace agreement between the United States and Iran.
Spot gold increased 0.4% to $4,707.31 per ounce, while U.S. gold futures for June delivery climbed 0.4% to $4,713.86. The precious metal had already surged nearly 3% in the previous session as oil prices dropped sharply following signs of improving geopolitical conditions.
Market sentiment improved after reports indicated that the White House was close to reaching a memorandum of understanding with Iran aimed at ending the ongoing conflict. Iranian officials confirmed they were reviewing the proposal, while U.S. President Donald Trump stated that Tehran appeared willing to finalize an agreement.
The possibility of reduced geopolitical tensions pushed crude oil prices significantly lower, easing fears of prolonged inflation pressures. Lower oil prices also contributed to declines in U.S. Treasury yields and weakened the dollar, both of which typically support gold prices because bullion becomes more attractive to investors seeking safe-haven assets.
The U.S. dollar index slipped another 0.1% during Asian trading after falling 0.4% overnight, remaining close to levels seen before the recent conflict escalation. Although oil stabilized slightly on Thursday, investors remain cautious as they await further developments surrounding the U.S.-Iran negotiations.
Traders are now closely watching Friday’s U.S. non-farm payrolls report for additional signals regarding the Federal Reserve’s future interest-rate decisions. Recent comments from Federal Reserve officials highlighted concerns that Middle East instability could still impact inflation and global supply chains.
Among other precious metals, silver gained 0.7% to $77.85 per ounce, while platinum traded near $2,065.17 per ounce.
