ASX Proposes New Share Dilution Limits for Public Takeovers 
Gold Prices Slide as Hawkish Fed and Strong Dollar Weigh on Bullion 
BOJ Signals More Rate Hikes as Inflation Risks Rise Amid Energy Price Pressures 
Oil Prices Steady as U.S.-Iran Truce Uncertainty and Middle East Tensions Keep Markets on Edge 
German Industry Employment Falls to Lowest Level in a Decade 
Yen Near 40-Year Lows Despite BOJ Rate Hike, Markets Brace for Possible Intervention 
Dollar Hits One-Month High as Hawkish Fed Outlook Boosts Greenback 
Europe EV Demand Surges as Fuel Prices Rise Amid Iran Conflict 
Asian Stocks Surge as Oil Prices Fall and Strong US Dollar Weighs on Markets 
Australia Eases Capital Gains Tax Reforms to Support Small Businesses and Startups 
Asian Currencies Steady as Dollar Holds Firm Ahead of Fed Decision and US-Iran Deal Details 
Oil Prices Slide as U.S.-Iran Deal and Hormuz Reopening Ease Supply Concerns 
Japan Inflation Stays Below BOJ Target Despite Rate Hike and Rising Energy Cost Risks 
Asian Stocks Rally as Japan and South Korea Reach Record Highs on US-Iran Peace Deal 
Trump and Iran Sign Framework Peace Deal in France Amid Ongoing Middle East Tensions 
Dollar Surges After Fed Holds Rates Steady, Signals Potential Tightening Ahead 
Gold prices edged lower during early Asian trading on Friday, with investors remaining cautious amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding the Iran conflict and the potential impact on U.S. interest rates. The precious metal was also on track for a subdued weekly performance as traders balanced geopolitical risks with growing expectations of tighter monetary policy from the Federal Reserve.
Spot gold declined 0.2% to $4,532.95 per ounce, while gold futures also slipped 0.2% to $4,533.90 per ounce. Despite recent volatility, spot gold was set to post a weekly loss of around 0.2%, reflecting mixed market sentiment driven by developments in U.S.-Iran relations.
Investor optimism briefly improved after U.S. President Donald Trump delayed a potential military strike against Iran. Reports suggesting that a final draft of a peace agreement had been prepared also helped calm market fears. However, uncertainty quickly returned after Trump warned that military action could still occur if Tehran failed to reach an agreement regarding its nuclear program.
Tensions in the Middle East continued to support elevated oil prices, especially as concerns grew over limited oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. officials criticized Iran’s proposal to impose transit fees through the critical shipping route, raising fresh concerns about global energy supply disruptions and rising inflation pressures.
Higher oil prices have already contributed to stronger U.S. inflation data over the past two months. This has fueled speculation that the Federal Reserve could raise interest rates later this year, a development that typically pressures non-yielding assets such as gold.
Minutes from the Fed’s late-April meeting revealed that several policymakers were increasingly open to additional rate hikes if inflation remains elevated. The prospect of higher borrowing costs has limited upside momentum in the gold market.
Other precious metals also traded lower on Friday. Spot platinum fell 0.2% to $1,967.98 per ounce, while spot silver slipped 0.2% to $76.5145 per ounce.
