Citi Forecasts a Volatile but Ongoing Bull Market for S&P 500 in 2026 
Oil Prices Stabilize at Start of 2026 as OPEC+ Policy and Geopolitical Risks Shape Market Outlook 
Asian Stock Markets Start New Year Higher as Tech and AI Shares Drive Gains 
U.S. Dollar Steadies Ahead of Fed Minutes as Markets Eye Policy Divisions 
USDA $12 Billion Farm Aid Program Draws Mixed Reactions from Row Crop Farmers 
Wall Street Ends Mixed as Tech and Financial Stocks Weigh on Markets Amid Thin Holiday Trading 
China Manufacturing PMI Rebounds in December, Offering Boost to Economic Growth Outlook 
U.S. Stock Futures Slip as Year-End Trading Turns Cautious 
Oil Prices Slip Slightly as Markets Weigh Geopolitical Risks and Supply Glut Concerns 
Trump Delays Tariff Increases on Furniture and Cabinets for One More Year 
Japanese Business Leaders Urge Government Action as Weak Yen Strains Economy 
U.S. Dollar Starts 2026 Weak as Yen, Euro and Sterling Hold Firm Amid Rate Cut Expectations 
South Korea Exports Hit Record High as Global Trade Momentum Builds 
Singapore GDP Growth Surges in 2025 but Outlook Remains Cautious Amid Global Trade Risks 
Forex Markets Hold Steady as Traders Await Fed Minutes Amid Thin Year-End Volumes 
Asian Currencies Trade Flat as Dollar Weakens in Thin New Year Trading 
Gold prices climbed sharply in Asian trading on Tuesday, extending a rally that has pushed bullion to a series of record highs. The surge reflects growing investor anxiety over U.S. trade policies under President Donald Trump, escalating geopolitical tensions, and cautious sentiment ahead of a key U.S. Federal Reserve meeting. Together, these factors have strengthened safe-haven demand for gold and other precious metals.
Spot gold rose 1.1% to around $5,062.97 per ounce in early Asian hours, while April gold futures slipped slightly to $5,098.26 per ounce. Despite the marginal pullback in futures, spot gold remained near historic levels after hitting a record high of $5,111.11 per ounce on Monday. The strong performance highlights gold’s role as a hedge during periods of global uncertainty and market volatility.
Other precious metals also posted solid gains. Spot silver jumped nearly 4% to about $107.94 per ounce, after briefly touching a record high above $111 per ounce. Platinum prices climbed 2.7% to roughly $2,656.27 per ounce, reflecting broad-based strength across the metals complex as investors sought alternatives to riskier assets.
Market nerves have been fueled by renewed trade tensions, particularly after President Trump threatened aggressive tariffs against several U.S. allies. These included warnings of 100% tariffs on Canada over potential trade links with China, as well as an increase in tariffs on South Korean goods to 25%. Although Trump eased some rhetoric regarding Europe and Greenland, uncertainty over future policy moves continues to weigh on global markets.
Geopolitical risks have further supported gold prices, with heightened tensions in Iran and the Middle East following the arrival of U.S. naval assets in the region. Analysts note that such risks, combined with economic and political uncertainty, have broadened gold’s appeal across regions and investor profiles, including strong interest from China and India.
Reflecting this backdrop, Singapore-based OCBC raised its 2026 gold price forecast to $5,600 per ounce, citing sustained demand for safe-haven assets. While short-term profit-taking could trigger brief pullbacks, the long-term outlook for gold remains supported by persistent global uncertainty.
