Fed Chair Kevin Warsh Signals Policy Overhaul as Hawkish Rate Outlook Rattles Markets 
Oil Prices Slide as U.S.-Iran Deal and Hormuz Reopening Ease Supply Concerns 
Canada Imposes 10% Tariff on Canned Vegetable Imports to Protect Domestic Industry 
Europe EV Demand Surges as Fuel Prices Rise Amid Iran Conflict 
Yen Near 40-Year Lows Despite BOJ Rate Hike, Markets Brace for Possible Intervention 
Oil Prices Steady as U.S.-Iran Truce Uncertainty and Middle East Tensions Keep Markets on Edge 
Trump and Iran Sign Framework Peace Deal in France Amid Ongoing Middle East Tensions 
Japan Signals Readiness to Intervene as USD/JPY Nears 161 Amid Yen Weakness 
Japan Inflation Stays Below BOJ Target Despite Rate Hike and Rising Energy Cost Risks 
Asian Currencies Steady as Dollar Holds Firm Ahead of Fed Decision and US-Iran Deal Details 
Trump Says No Hormuz Strait Tolls During 60-Day Iran Ceasefire 
BOJ Signals More Rate Hikes as Inflation Risks Rise Amid Energy Price Pressures 
Italy’s Economy Outpaces Eurozone Peers as Investment Spending Fuels Growth 
Gold Prices Rebound on U.S.-Iran Peace Deal Optimism Despite Fed Rate Hike Signals 
German Industry Employment Falls to Lowest Level in a Decade 
Asian Stocks Rally as Japan and South Korea Reach Record Highs on US-Iran Peace Deal 
Gold prices were largely unchanged during Asian trading on Friday as investors remained cautious ahead of the highly anticipated U.S. jobs data, while ongoing geopolitical tensions continued to underpin bullion’s strength for the week. Market participants avoided aggressive positions as they assessed the potential impact of U.S. labor market data on the Federal Reserve’s future policy direction.
Spot gold traded nearly flat at $4,474.20 an ounce in early Asian hours, while U.S. gold futures edged down 0.3% to $4,483.60. Despite the subdued session, gold was on track to post a weekly gain of more than 3%, following a sharp rally earlier in the week. The surge came after heightened U.S.-Venezuela tensions, including a U.S. military operation that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, which boosted demand for safe-haven assets.
The upside in gold prices was partially capped by a stronger U.S. dollar. The U.S. Dollar Index climbed to a one-month high, making gold more expensive for holders of other currencies. A firm dollar typically weighs on gold prices, even as broader macroeconomic factors remain supportive.
Investor focus was firmly on the upcoming U.S. nonfarm payrolls report, a key indicator of labor market health. The data is expected to offer fresh insight into inflation trends and the Federal Reserve’s interest rate outlook. Traders are increasingly pricing in two additional U.S. interest rate cuts in 2026, following the Fed’s rate reduction in December. Lower interest rates tend to favor gold, as the metal becomes more attractive in a low-yield environment.
Geopolitical uncertainty continued to provide underlying support for bullion. While the U.S. Senate moved to advance measures aimed at limiting further military action in Venezuela, President Donald Trump indicated that U.S. oversight of the situation could extend for years, reinforcing safe-haven demand.
Other metal markets also posted gains. Silver rose 0.4% to $77.23 per ounce, platinum advanced 0.4% to $2,275.60, and palladium surged 5% to $1,872.50. Copper prices strengthened as well, with London Metal Exchange futures up 1.3% to $12,867.20 a ton and U.S. copper futures gaining 1% to $5.86 a pound.
