Nikkei Plunges 5% as AI Stock Selloff Spreads Across Asia 
China Q2 2026 GDP Misses Forecast as Weak Domestic Demand Offsets Export Strength 
Gold Price Holds Near Record High as Cooling U.S. Inflation Offsets Fed Caution 
Asian Stocks Rise as Softer U.S. Inflation Boosts Sentiment Despite Middle East Tensions 
Oil Prices Set for Weekly Surge as U.S.-Iran Conflict Fuels Supply Fears 
Japan Core Inflation Seen Rising in June, Strengthening BOJ Rate Hike Outlook 
IEA Warns China Rare Earth Export Curbs Could Threaten $6.5 Trillion in Global Production 
Malaysia Q2 Economy Grows 5.8%, Beating Forecasts on Strong Tech Exports and Domestic Demand 
South Korea Raises Interest Rates to 2.75% as Inflation and Weak Won Drive Tightening 
China Home Prices Fall Again in June Despite Slower Pace of Decline 
Dollar Slides as Softer US Inflation Dims Fed Rate Hike Expectations 
Gold Prices Slip as Oil Rally Fuels Inflation Fears, Strengthens Dollar 
US Stock Futures Fall as Netflix Outlook, Chip Selloff and Iran Tensions Weigh on Markets 
South Korea’s KOSPI Enters Bear Market Despite Remaining 2026’s Best-Performing Major Stock Index 
ECB's Kocher Says No Inflation Spillover Yet From Iran Conflict, Warns Risks Remain 
Asian Stocks Slide as Nikkei Leads Losses on Tech Selloff and Rising U.S.-Iran Tensions 
Brazil Weighs IP Curbs, Patent Suspensions After New U.S. Tariffs 
Gold prices soared past the $3,000 mark for the second time in a week, hitting a record high of $3,014.83 per ounce on Tuesday as investors sought refuge from economic uncertainty. Spot gold was up 0.4% at $3,012.74 per ounce as of 0420 GMT, while U.S. gold futures climbed 0.5% to $3,021.70.
The surge was driven by a weaker U.S. dollar, which hovered near a five-month low, making gold more attractive to global buyers. Marex analyst Edward Meir noted that gold’s record-breaking rally is fueled by technical buying and a lack of chart resistance.
Gold has gained over 14% this year, benefiting from rising geopolitical risks and economic concerns linked to U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff policies. Trump has announced tariffs, including a 25% duty on steel and aluminum since February, with additional sectoral tariffs expected on April 2.
ANZ revised its gold price forecasts higher, projecting $3,100 per ounce in three months and $3,200 in six months, citing escalating trade tensions, monetary easing, and strong central bank demand. Meanwhile, Federal Reserve economic projections this week could provide further insight into the impact of Trump’s policies, with economists forecasting slower U.S. growth, higher inflation, and potential recession risks.
Geopolitical tensions remain a key driver for gold, with Israeli airstrikes in the Middle East adding to market uncertainty. Silver edged up 0.2% to $33.90 an ounce, platinum gained 0.4% to $1,004.00, and palladium rose 0.6% to $970.49.
