South Korea Assures U.S. on Trade Deal Commitments Amid Tariff Concerns 
Asian Stocks Slip as Tech Rout Deepens, Japan Steadies Ahead of Election 
Global Markets Slide as AI, Crypto, and Precious Metals Face Heightened Volatility 
Trump Signs Executive Order Threatening 25% Tariffs on Countries Trading With Iran 
Vietnam’s Trade Surplus With US Jumps as Exports Surge and China Imports Hit Record 
Silver Prices Plunge in Asian Trade as Dollar Strength Triggers Fresh Precious Metals Sell-Off 
U.S. Stock Futures Slide as Tech Rout Deepens on Amazon Capex Shock 
Dow Hits 50,000 as U.S. Stocks Stage Strong Rebound Amid AI Volatility 
Thailand Inflation Remains Negative for 10th Straight Month in January 
RBI Holds Repo Rate at 5.25% as India’s Growth Outlook Strengthens After U.S. Trade Deal 
Dollar Near Two-Week High as Stock Rout, AI Concerns and Global Events Drive Market Volatility 
South Africa Eyes ECB Repo Lines as Inflation Eases and Rate Cuts Loom 
Trump’s Inflation Claims Clash With Voters’ Cost-of-Living Reality 
India–U.S. Interim Trade Pact Cuts Auto Tariffs but Leaves Tesla Out 
U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains 
Trump Lifts 25% Tariff on Indian Goods in Strategic U.S.–India Trade and Energy Deal 
South Korea’s Weak Won Struggles as Retail Investors Pour Money Into U.S. Stocks 
Gold prices hovered close to three-week lows in Asian trading on Wednesday as easing trade tensions and anticipation of the U.S. Federal Reserve’s policy decision weighed on the safe-haven metal. Spot gold inched up 0.2% to $3,957.42 per ounce at 01:40 ET (05:40 GMT), while U.S. gold futures slipped 0.1% to $3,977.76. The precious metal has declined sharply over the past two sessions, marking its lowest level since early October.
Investors are now focused on the conclusion of the Fed’s two-day policy meeting, expected to result in a 25-basis-point interest rate cut later today. While lower rates typically boost gold’s appeal, traders are closely watching Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s comments for clues on future policy moves. Any signal that further rate cuts will be delayed or that inflation remains sticky could strengthen the U.S. dollar and Treasury yields—both negative factors for gold prices.
Gold has also faced pressure from improved U.S.-China trade relations. Reports indicate a framework agreement between Washington and Beijing addressing tariffs and rare-earth export controls, fueling optimism about reduced trade tensions. Additionally, President Donald Trump announced plans to cut a 20% tariff on Chinese imports linked to fentanyl precursor chemicals ahead of his summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea. After a stop in Tokyo, Trump arrived in Gyeongju on Wednesday to meet with South Korean President Lee Jae-Myung.
The easing of trade and geopolitical risks has reduced investor demand for safe-haven assets like gold. In broader metals markets, silver futures rose 0.3% to $47.45 per ounce, platinum fell 0.6% to $1,575.80 per ounce, while copper futures gained slightly, with London contracts up 0.2% to $11,053.20 per ton and U.S. copper rising 0.3% to $5.18 per pound.
