China Factory Activity Slips in January as Weak Demand Weighs on Growth Outlook 
IMF Forecasts Global Inflation Decline as Growth Remains Resilient 
India Budget 2026: Modi Government Eyes Reforms Amid Global Uncertainty and Fiscal Pressures 
U.S.–Venezuela Relations Show Signs of Thaw as Top Envoy Visits Caracas 
Gold Prices Stabilize in Asian Trade After Sharp Weekly Losses Amid Fed Uncertainty 
Japan Election Poll Signals Landslide Win for Sanae Takaichi, Raising Fiscal Policy Concerns 
Philippines Manufacturing PMI Hits Nine-Month High Despite Weak Confidence Outlook 
BOJ Policymakers Warn Weak Yen Could Fuel Inflation Risks and Delay Rate Action 
Gold and Silver Prices Plunge as Trump Taps Kevin Warsh for Fed Chair 
South Korea Exports Surge in January on AI Chip Demand, Marking Fastest Growth in 4.5 Years 
U.S. Government Faces Brief Shutdown as Congress Delays Funding Deal 
Asian Currencies Hold Firm as Dollar Rebounds on Fed Chair Nomination Hopes 
UK Employers Plan Moderate Pay Rises as Inflation Pressures Ease but Persist 
Dollar Holds Firm as Markets Weigh Warsh-Led Fed and Yen Weakness Ahead of Japan Election 
Wall Street Slides as Warsh Fed Nomination, Hot Inflation, and Precious Metals Rout Shake Markets 
Gold prices held largely steady in Asian trading on Wednesday, with investors cautious ahead of the U.S. Federal Reserve’s policy announcement and ongoing trade developments. Spot gold slipped 0.1% to $3,323.66 an ounce, while gold futures eased 0.1% to $3,378.62 per ounce as of 02:18 ET (06:18 GMT).
The yellow metal had gained slightly in the previous session, supported by safe-haven demand amid uncertainty over the August 1 tariff deadline set by U.S. President Donald Trump. However, recent progress in trade talks has pressured bullion prices in recent weeks, reducing demand for defensive assets.
A U.S.–EU framework agreement unveiled last weekend lowered tariffs on most European goods to 15% from the previously threatened 30%, easing fears of a trade war escalation. The development strengthened the U.S. dollar, which remained firm midweek and weighed on gold by making it more expensive for international buyers.
Market focus now turns to the Fed’s two-day policy meeting, expected to conclude with rates held at 4.25%–4.50%. Investors will closely watch the central bank’s commentary for signals on future policy shifts, particularly the possibility of a rate cut in September. Additional U.S. economic data, including PCE inflation and labor market reports, are due later this week and could influence gold’s trajectory.
Other precious metals traded lower, with platinum futures down 0.3% at $1,415.05 and silver futures slipping 0.4% to $38.15. Copper also declined, with London benchmark futures dropping 0.3% to $9,781.45 per ton and U.S. copper futures falling 0.5% to $5.64 per pound amid tariff concerns following Chile’s push for exemptions on U.S. metal duties.
