Australia Sets New Minimum Pay, Insurance Rules for Gig Workers 
Gold Prices Slip From Two-Month High as Inflation and Fed Outlook Drive Markets 
Trump Weighs Capital Gains Tax Cuts Ahead of Midterms 
Oil, Gold Rise as Geopolitical Risks Grip Markets Ahead of U.S. CPI 
Gold Prices Rise as Fed Rate Hike Bets Ease 
S&P 500, Nasdaq Slip as Oil Jumps on Iran Tensions 
Australia Housing Crisis Deepens as Worker Shortages Delay Homebuilding 
Dollar Steady as Markets Await U.S. Inflation Data 
Iran War Escalates as US, Houthis Target Ships Near Key Oil Routes 
European Stocks Rise as U.S. Inflation Data Eases Fed Rate Hike Fears 
Asian Stocks Rise as AI Chip Rally Lifts South Korea, Japan 
KOSPI Rebounds 20% as Samsung, SK Hynix Lead South Korea Stock Rally 
England Drought Expands to 71% as Heatwave Deepens Water Crisis 
Oil Prices Slide as OPEC, IEA Cut 2026 Demand Forecasts 
Yen Stabilizes After Intervention Slide as Australian Dollar Hits Eight-Week High 
Singapore Raises 2026 GDP Growth Forecast to 4.5%-5.5% as AI Boom Fuels Economy 
Asian Currencies Steady as Markets Await U.S. Inflation Data 
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Gold prices surged in Asian trading Thursday, driven by growing safe-haven demand amid rising Middle East tensions and uncertainty over U.S. trade policy. Spot gold climbed 0.6% to $3,374.94 per ounce, while August futures jumped 1.5% to $3,394.60.
Geopolitical concerns intensified after reports indicated Israel was preparing for potential military action against Iran if nuclear negotiations with the U.S. falter. U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed the evacuation of personnel from Iraq and nearby regions, heightening fears of conflict. Iran responded with threats to target U.S. bases if provoked, deepening investor anxiety. These developments fueled strong demand for gold and other precious metals, traditionally viewed as safe-haven assets.
Uncertainty surrounding U.S.-China trade talks further boosted gold’s appeal. Despite some progress being reported, a lack of concrete details kept investors on edge. Trump's announcement that he will soon send letters outlining tariff plans to key global partners—dimming hopes for broader trade agreements—also rattled markets. Currently, only a finalized deal with the UK and a framework with China have been disclosed.
A weakening dollar supported gains across metals. Platinum futures rose 0.8% to $1,251.65, a four-year high, while silver gained 0.7% to $36.515, hovering near a 13-year peak. Copper also advanced, with London futures up 0.5% to $9,699.70 per ton and U.S. copper up 0.4% to $4.8242 per pound.
However, Goldman Sachs warned platinum’s rally might be short-lived, projecting a retreat into the $800–$1,150 range due to weaker Chinese demand, declining automotive usage amid EV growth, and rising output from South Africa. Despite a 37.3% year-to-date gain, platinum's sustainability remains in question as market fundamentals shift.
