The USD/JPY pair weakened in Asian trading on Monday, hovering around 156.20 and briefly approaching 156.00. This weakening occurred after the Japanese Yen (JPY) strengthened, following signals from the Bank of Japan (BoJ) reinforcing expectations of continued policy tightening in 2026. In the Summary of Opinions from the BoJ's December policy meeting, several members argued that interest rate hikes needed to be gradual to avoid "falling behind the curve." Some members also emphasized that Japan's real interest rates remain among the lowest in the world, thus allowing room for rate hikes,...
Gold prices (XAU/USD) weakened slightly in the Asian session on Monday, after previously breaking a new record. This weakening occurred as market participants began taking profits ahead of the year-end holidays, when market liquidity was thin. Gold briefly touched a record high of around $4,550 per ounce, but then corrected. In addition to profit-taking, a strengthening US dollar could also pressure gold by making it more expensive for buyers outside the US. Despite the short-term decline, the broader trend remains strong. Gold has surged nearly 70% through 2025, its best annual...
Silver slid more than 3% toward $76 per ounce on Monday, pressured by profit-taking after an end-of-year rally that notched a fresh record of $81. Investors are also weighing geopolitical developments, following President Donald Trump's comments that peace talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy have made "a lot of progress," though a deal may still take weeks. He added he is open to addressing Ukraine's parliament, holding trilateral talks with Zelenskiy and Russian President Vladimir Putin, and meeting European leaders in January. Despite the retreat, silver is on track for...