Gulf Tensions Escalate as Iranian Missile Attacks Fail and Nuclear Talks Remain Stalled 
Asian Stocks Slide as Tech and Chip Shares Retreat Amid Iran Conflict Concerns 
U.S. Opens Public Comment Period on New U.S.-China Trade Board and Potential Tariff Cuts 
Gold Prices Slip as Traders Weigh Middle East Risks and Key U.S. Economic Data 
US Stock Futures Slip as Iran Tensions Rise and AI-Fueled Tech Rally Loses Steam 
Australia Minimum Wage to Rise 4.75% as Inflation Pressures Persist 
Gold Prices Fall as Stronger Dollar and Iran Tensions Weigh on Market Sentiment 
Trump Revises U.S. Tariffs on Copper, Aluminum, and Steel Imports Through 2027 
Yen Nears 160 Per Dollar as Japan Signals Readiness for Currency Intervention 
Indonesia Passes New Central Bank Law, Raising Investor Concerns Over Policy Independence 
Asian Stocks Edge Lower as Middle East Tensions and AI Optimism Shape Market Sentiment 
China’s Companion Economy Booms as Young People Pay for Friendship and Travel Partners in 2026 
U.S. Proposes New Tariffs on Imports From 60 Economies Over Forced Labor Concerns 
US Stock Futures Steady as Iran Tensions and AI Rally Shape Market Sentiment 
Oil Prices Rise on Middle East Tensions and Sharp U.S. Crude Inventory Draw 
Japan Weighs Two-Year Food Tax Cut Starting in 2027 to Ease Cost-of-Living Pressure 
Putin’s ‘Russian Davos’ Draws U.S. Influencers, Officials, and Global Business Figures Amid Economic Struggles 
Gold prices declined during Asian trading on Monday after recording solid gains last week, as rising oil prices and a stronger U.S. dollar reduced investor demand for the precious metal. Market sentiment shifted after U.S. President Donald Trump rejected Iran’s latest response to a proposed peace agreement, raising concerns over prolonged geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
Spot gold fell 0.8% to $4,677.82 per ounce, while U.S. gold futures dropped 0.8% to $4,694.34 in early trading. Despite the decline, gold had gained more than 2% last week amid hopes that a potential U.S.-Iran deal could ease tensions and stabilize global energy markets.
Investor confidence weakened after Trump reportedly described Tehran’s latest proposal as “totally unacceptable,” signaling a possible deadlock in negotiations. Iran’s counteroffer allegedly sought sanctions relief, security assurances, and recognition of parts of its nuclear program, while Washington continued to demand stricter limits on uranium enrichment and expanded international oversight.
At the same time, oil prices surged sharply. Brent crude climbed over 3% to trade above $104 per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude approached $99. Higher oil prices increased fears that global inflation could remain elevated, potentially forcing central banks, including the Federal Reserve, to maintain higher interest rates for longer periods.
The stronger U.S. dollar also pressured gold prices. The U.S. Dollar Index rose 0.1% in Asian trading after stronger-than-expected U.S. payroll data reinforced expectations that the Federal Reserve may delay interest rate cuts. A firmer dollar typically makes gold more expensive for foreign buyers, reducing overall demand.
Investors are now closely watching upcoming U.S. inflation reports and Trump’s scheduled visit to China later this week. Discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping are expected to focus on Iran, trade relations, and global energy security.
Other precious metals also moved lower, with silver falling 0.7% to $79.76 per ounce and platinum dropping 1.3% to $2,031.60 per ounce.
