U.S. Dollar Slips Near Two-Month Low as Markets Await Key Jobs Data and Central Bank Decisions 
Oil Prices Rebound as Trump Orders Blockade of Sanctioned Venezuelan Tankers 
Dollar Struggles as Markets Eye Key Central Bank Decisions and Global Rate Outlooks 
Asian Stocks Slide as Central Bank Decisions and Key Data Keep Investors Cautious 
Asian Currencies Slip as Dollar Strengthens; Indian Rupee Rebounds on Intervention Hopes 
Gold and Silver Prices Dip as Markets Await Key U.S. Economic Data 
Silver Prices Hit Record High as Safe-Haven Demand Surges Amid U.S. Economic Uncertainty 
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U.S. Dollar Steadies Near October Lows as Rate Cut Expectations Keep Markets on Edge 
Asian Currencies Trade Sideways as Dollar Weakens Ahead of Key U.S. Data 
Trump Orders Blockade of Sanctioned Oil Tankers, Raising Venezuela Tensions and Oil Prices 
Asian Fund Managers Turn More Optimistic on Growth but Curb Equity Return Expectations: BofA Survey 
China’s November Economic Data Signals Slowing Industrial Output and Weak Consumer Demand 
South Korea Warns Weak Won Could Push Inflation Higher in 2025 
New Zealand Budget Outlook Shows Prolonged Deficits Despite Economic Recovery Hopes 
Asian Stocks Slide as AI Valuation Fears and BOJ Uncertainty Weigh on Markets 
Gold prices climbed in Asian trading on Thursday, driven by softer U.S. inflation data that reinforced expectations of Federal Reserve rate cuts. Spot gold rose 0.4% to $2,945.18 per ounce, while April gold futures gained 0.2% to $2,953.62 an ounce.
The U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased by 0.2% in February, bringing the annual inflation rate to 2.8%, below the expected 2.9% and down from January’s 3.0%. This cooling inflation strengthened market expectations for three rate cuts in 2025, with the first anticipated in June. Lower interest rates typically boost gold’s appeal by reducing the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding assets. Investors are closely watching the Federal Reserve’s upcoming March 18-19 meeting for further guidance.
Gold’s safe-haven demand also increased as former U.S. President Donald Trump threatened fresh tariffs on EU goods in response to planned counter-tariffs. This followed the U.S.’s 25% tariff on steel and aluminum, escalating trade tensions. Canada responded with retaliatory tariffs on $21 billion worth of U.S. imports. The U.S. Dollar Index remained near a four-month low, adding to gold’s attractiveness.
Other precious metals struggled, with platinum futures down 0.7% to $990.10 an ounce and silver futures dipping 0.4% to $33.593 an ounce. Meanwhile, copper prices fell after Trump hinted at adding the red metal to trade protections, with April copper futures slipping 0.2% to $4.8340 a pound.
Amid inflation concerns and rising trade tensions, gold remains a key asset for investors seeking stability, with market focus shifting to the Fed’s upcoming policy decision.
