Asian Markets Mixed as Fed Rate Cut Bets Grow and Japan’s Nikkei Leads Gains 
IMF Deputy Dan Katz Visits China as Key Economic Review Nears 
Asian Currencies Steady as Rupee Hits Record Low Amid Fed Rate Cut Bets 
Oil Prices Hold Steady as Ukraine Tensions and Fed Cut Expectations Support Market 
Oil Prices Rise as Ukraine Targets Russian Energy Infrastructure 
Asian Markets Mixed as RBI Cuts Rates and BOJ Signals Possible Hike 
Austria’s AA Credit Rating Affirmed as Fitch Highlights Stable Outlook 
Dollar Weakens Ahead of Expected Federal Reserve Rate Cut 
Germany’s Economic Recovery Slows as Trade Tensions and Rising Costs Weigh on Growth 
Japan’s Nikkei Drops as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
Trump Meets Mexico and Canada Leaders After 2026 World Cup Draw Amid USMCA Tensions 
U.S. Futures Steady as Rate-Cut Bets Rise on Soft Labor Data 
Gold Prices Edge Higher as Markets Await Key U.S. PCE Inflation Data 
BOJ Governor Ueda Highlights Uncertainty Over Future Interest Rate Hikes 
China Urged to Prioritize Economy Over Territorial Ambitions, Says Taiwan’s President Lai 
Citi Sets Bullish 2026 Target for STOXX 600 as Fiscal Support and Monetary Easing Boost Outlook 
Gold prices edged lower in Asian trading on Monday, easing from recent highs after U.S. President Donald Trump delayed plans to impose 50% tariffs on the European Union. However, safe haven demand remained underpinned by ongoing concerns over U.S. fiscal instability and persistent dollar weakness.
Spot gold dipped 0.2% to $3,349.45 per ounce, while June futures fell 0.5% to $3,376.91. The market had surged to a record $3,500/oz earlier this month amid escalating trade tensions and economic uncertainty.
Trump's Sunday announcement to postpone EU tariffs until July, following a positive call with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, temporarily soothed risk sentiment. Yet, investors remained wary of continued policy unpredictability after Trump’s earlier threats to begin tariffs in June and extend them to smartphone imports.
Despite the slight pullback in gold, safe haven flows persisted as Minneapolis Fed President Neel Kashkari warned that Trump’s tariff actions could trigger stagflation—a mix of slow growth and high inflation. Kashkari also noted the Fed was unlikely to change interest rates before September due to economic uncertainty.
The dollar index slipped 0.3%, pressured by rising U.S. debt concerns and a holiday-thinned trading session. Treasury yields remained elevated amid fears over the country’s fiscal health, further supporting bullion.
Other precious metals also gained on dollar weakness. Platinum futures rose 0.7% to $1,095.90/oz, while silver futures climbed 0.3% to $33.690/oz.
Investors continue to monitor geopolitical developments and U.S. trade policy signals, both of which have been key drivers of gold’s rally in 2025. Growing fears of a prolonged stagflationary environment could keep gold prices elevated in the near term.
