Asian Stocks Slide as AI Valuation Fears and BOJ Uncertainty Weigh on Markets 
Chinese Robotaxi Stocks Rally as Tesla Boosts Autonomous Driving Optimism 
U.S. Dollar Slips Near Two-Month Low as Markets Await Key Jobs Data and Central Bank Decisions 
Gold and Silver Prices Dip as Markets Await Key U.S. Economic Data 
Asian Stocks Slide as AI Spending Fears and Global Central Bank Decisions Weigh on Markets 
Bank of Korea Downplays Liquidity’s Role in Weak Won and Housing Price Surge 
Korea Zinc to Build $7.4 Billion Critical Minerals Refinery in Tennessee With U.S. Government Backing 
Japan Exports to U.S. Rebound in November as Tariff Impact Eases, Boosting BOJ Rate Hike Expectations 
New Zealand Budget Outlook Shows Prolonged Deficits Despite Economic Recovery Hopes 
Silver Prices Hit Record High as Safe-Haven Demand Surges Amid U.S. Economic Uncertainty 
Bank of Japan Poised for Historic Rate Hike as Inflation Pressures Persist 
Singapore Growth Outlook Brightens for 2025 as Economists Flag AI and Geopolitical Risks 
Australian Consumer Sentiment Slumps in Early December as Inflation Fears Resurface 
U.S. Dollar Steadies Near October Lows as Rate Cut Expectations Keep Markets on Edge 
BoE Set to Cut Rates as UK Inflation Slows, but Further Easing Likely Limited 
Asian Currencies Slip as Dollar Strengthens; Indian Rupee Rebounds on Intervention Hopes 
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.
