China Q2 2026 GDP Misses Forecast as Weak Domestic Demand Offsets Export Strength 
Oil Prices Climb as Trump Escalates Iran Pressure, Strait of Hormuz Risks Grow 
Singapore GDP Grows 5.7% in Q2 2026 as AI-Driven Manufacturing Boosts Economy 
South Korea’s KOSPI Enters Bear Market Despite Remaining 2026’s Best-Performing Major Stock Index 
Asian Stocks Rally as Cooling U.S. Inflation Boosts Fed Rate Cut Hopes 
Oil Prices Rise as U.S. Strikes on Iran Raise Strait of Hormuz Supply Fears 
South Korea’s KOSPI Triggers Trading Curb as AI Chip Stock Selloff Deepens 
Gold Price Holds Near Record High as Cooling U.S. Inflation Offsets Fed Caution 
European Stocks Slip as Middle East Tensions and Hormuz Threat Rattle Markets 
China Home Prices Fall Again in June Despite Slower Pace of Decline 
China Trade Surplus Hits $125.6 Billion as June Exports, Imports Smash Forecasts 
Dollar Slides as Softer US Inflation Dims Fed Rate Hike Expectations 
US Inflation Expected to Ease in June, but Fed Rate Hike Risks Persist Amid Middle East Tensions 
US Stock Futures Hold Steady as Soft Inflation Data Eases Fed Rate Hike Fears 
Australian Business Conditions Hold Steady as Easing Cost Pressures Face New Oil Price Risks 
Dollar Eases as Middle East Conflict, Fed Outlook and Japan Pension Policy Drive FX Markets 
Gold and silver prices edged lower on Tuesday, extending losses from the previous session as investors turned cautious ahead of major U.S. economic data releases and the Federal Reserve’s January meeting minutes. Thin trading volumes due to market holidays in both China and the United States contributed to subdued activity, while a stronger U.S. dollar added pressure on precious metals.
Spot gold declined 0.3% to $4,978.39 per ounce, while April gold futures also fell 0.3% to $4,996.69 per ounce. Silver prices experienced sharper losses, with spot silver down 0.9% to $76.0400 per ounce. In contrast, platinum prices bucked the trend, rising 0.5% to $2,030.61 per ounce.
The modest rebound in the U.S. dollar weighed heavily on gold and silver, as a stronger greenback typically makes dollar-denominated commodities more expensive for overseas buyers. At the same time, safe-haven demand remained present amid geopolitical tensions, particularly surrounding upcoming nuclear talks between the United States and Iran. Reports suggest Washington is increasing military pressure on Tehran in an effort to secure a diplomatic agreement, keeping investors on edge.
Market attention is now firmly focused on upcoming U.S. economic indicators. Industrial production data is scheduled for release on Wednesday, alongside the Federal Reserve’s meeting minutes, which could offer fresh insights into policymakers’ stance on inflation and interest rates. Later in the week, the Personal Consumption Expenditures price index, the Fed’s preferred inflation gauge, will be closely monitored for signals on future monetary policy.
Recent uncertainty around U.S. interest rate policy has weighed on gold prices, especially following President Donald Trump’s nomination of Kevin Warsh as the next Federal Reserve Chair. Warsh is widely seen as less dovish, prompting profit-taking after gold surged to record highs in January. Meanwhile, mixed economic data showed cooling inflation alongside improving labor market conditions, further complicating the outlook for precious metals investors.
