Gold prices climbed to their highest level since mid-April in Asian trading on Monday, driven by strong expectations of a September Federal Reserve rate cut and heightened safe-haven demand amid Fed independence concerns and tariff-related uncertainty. Spot Gold: $3,480.56/oz (+0.9%) Gold Futures (December): $3,551.82/oz (+1%) August performance: Nearly +5%, marking …

Oil prices slipped in Asian trading on Monday, extending last month’s losses as traders discounted the likelihood of immediate supply disruptions from potential secondary sanctions on Russian crude and instead focused on Chinese factory data for demand cues. Brent October futures: $67.21 (-0.4%) WTI crude futures: $63.78 (-0.4%) August performance: …

The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) reported Friday that annual inflation, measured by the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) Price Index, remained at 2.6% in July, in line with market expectations. Core PCE Inflation Core PCE, which strips out volatile food and energy prices, rose to 2.9%, slightly higher than …

U.S. stock index futures slipped on Friday evening, retreating from recent record highs as investors awaited key inflation data for more clarity on the Federal Reserve’s interest rate plans. Dow Jones Futures: -155 points (-0.3%) S&P 500 Futures: -18 points (-0.3%) Nasdaq 100 Futures: -108 points (-0.5%) August monthly gains …

Gold prices eased slightly on Friday but remained on track for strong gains in August, driven by growing expectations of a September rate cut by the Federal Reserve. Spot gold: $3,409.89/oz (-0.2%) Gold futures (October): $3,469.92/oz (-0.1%) August performance: Up 3.7%, approaching April record highs Drivers of gold strength: Dollar …

Gold prices eased slightly on Friday but remained on track for strong gains in August, driven by growing expectations of a September rate cut by the Federal Reserve. Spot gold: $3,409.89/oz (-0.2%) Gold futures (October): $3,469.92/oz (-0.1%) August performance: Up 3.7%, approaching April record highs Drivers of gold strength: Dollar …

German retail sales plunged 1.5% in July compared with the previous month, far below the 0.4% decline expected, signaling a slowdown in domestic consumption and clouding the outlook for third-quarter growth. Germany’s economy contracted 0.3% in Q2, further dimming hopes for a sustained recovery in Europe’s largest economy. Analysts note …

The U.S. dollar wavered on Friday, heading for a 2% decline in August against major currencies, as markets weighed rising expectations of a Federal Reserve interest rate cut next month against concerns over the central bank’s independence. President Donald Trump’s attempts to influence monetary policy, including firing Fed Governor Lisa …

Oil prices fell in Asian trading on Friday, reversing some of Thursday’s gains, amid fading hopes for a Russia-Ukraine peace deal and renewed focus on U.S. tariffs on India. Brent October futures dropped 0.8% to $68.10/barrel. WTI crude futures fell 0.7% to $64.14/barrel. Both contracts are on track for monthly …

According to the US Department of Labor (DOL), initial unemployment claims fell to 229,000 for the week ending August 23, slightly below forecasts of 230K and down from the revised 234K the previous week. The 4-week moving average rose 2,500 to 228,500, reflecting a minor short-term uptick. Continuing claims decreased …