China’s Services Sector Posts Slowest Growth in Five Months as Demand Softens 
Asian Markets Stabilize as Wall Street Rebounds and Rate Concerns Ease 
Gold Prices Steady as Markets Await Key U.S. Data and Expected Fed Rate Cut 
Dollar Holds Steady as Markets Shift Focus to 2026 Rate Cut Expectations 
Australia’s Economic Growth Slows in Q3 Despite Strong Investment Activity 
Asia’s IPO Market Set for Strong Growth as China and India Drive Investor Diversification 
Asian Currencies Steady as Markets Await Fed Rate Decision; Indian Rupee Hits New Record Low 
Japan’s Nikkei Drops as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
Asian Currencies Steady as Rupee Hits Record Low Amid Fed Rate Cut Bets 
BOJ Governor Ueda Highlights Uncertainty Over Future Interest Rate Hikes 
Spain’s Industrial Output Records Steady Growth in October Amid Revised September Figures 
Germany’s Economic Recovery Slows as Trade Tensions and Rising Costs Weigh on Growth 
European Oil & Gas Stocks Face 2026 With Cautious Outlook Amid Valuation Pressure 
Oil Prices Rise as Ukraine Targets Russian Energy Infrastructure 
European Stocks Rise as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
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.
