RBA Unlikely to Cut Interest Rates in 2026 as Inflation Pressures Persist, Says Westpac 
Bank of Korea Downplays Liquidity’s Role in Weak Won and Housing Price Surge 
U.S. Dollar Slips Near Two-Month Low as Markets Await Key Jobs Data and Central Bank Decisions 
Japan Exports to U.S. Rebound in November as Tariff Impact Eases, Boosting BOJ Rate Hike Expectations 
Oil Prices Slip in Asia as 2026 Supply Glut Fears and Russia-Ukraine Talks Weigh on Markets 
Bank of Japan Poised for Historic Rate Hike as Inflation Pressures Persist 
Australian Consumer Sentiment Slumps in Early December as Inflation Fears Resurface 
Oil Prices Rebound as Trump Orders Blockade of Sanctioned Venezuelan Tankers 
Asian Currencies Slip as Dollar Strengthens; Indian Rupee Rebounds on Intervention Hopes 
South Korea Warns Weak Won Could Push Inflation Higher in 2025 
Asian Stocks Edge Higher as Tech Recovers, U.S. Economic Uncertainty Caps Gains 
Asian Technology and Chipmaking Stocks Slide as AI Spending Concerns Shake Markets 
Oil Prices Rebound as U.S.-Venezuela Tensions Offset Oversupply Concerns 
Trump Orders Blockade of Sanctioned Oil Tankers, Raising Venezuela Tensions and Oil Prices 
U.S. Dollar Steadies Near October Lows as Rate Cut Expectations Keep Markets on Edge 
Asian Stocks Slide as AI Valuation Fears and BOJ Uncertainty Weigh on Markets 
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.
