Gold prices (XAU/USD) are flat and just a few steps away from a new record high, currently at $2,800.93, with some profit-taking taking place. On the geopolitical front, markets were shaken by comments from US President Donald Trump confirming 25% tariffs will be imposed on Canada and Mexico, two of the US's largest trading partners, starting Saturday, and threatening to impose 100% tariffs on BRICS countries if they try to replace the US Dollar with a new currency in international trade. This should be a headwind for Bullion as it could lead to trade wars and inflation fears with prices...
Crude oil prices were steady on Friday but set for weekly declines as markets waited to see if U.S. President Donald Trump would follow through on his threat to impose tariffs on Mexico and Canada later this week. Brent crude for March, which expires on Friday, was up 8 cents at $76.95 a barrel by 0900 GMT. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude was up 21 cents at $72.94. For the week, benchmarks Brent and WTI are set to fall 2% and 2.3%, respectively. "Crude oil prices have fallen this week on growing concerns about Trump's tariffs, which are expected to hamper global economic growth,"...
The euro (EUR) is trading under pressure amid broadly stronger US dollar (USD) on tariff threats. Yesterday at the last GC meeting, the ECB cut its policy rate for the fifth consecutive meeting by 25bp. The currency pair was last at 1.0370, noted FX analysts Frances Cheung and Christopher Wong of OCBC. "The deposit rate is now at 2.75%. The decision was unanimous and the Council did not discuss the possibility of a larger cut. Lagarde said that interest rates are still in restrictive territory, and it is too early to discuss when the ECB should stop cutting rates. According to a Reuters...
Silver (XAG/USD) prices recovered most of their intraday losses and rebounded near $30.50 during the European session on Friday (1/31). The white metal bounced back strongly as its outlook remained strong amid concerns that US President Donald Trump will impose 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico on Saturday for allowing illegal immigrants and the deadly opioid fentanyl into their economies. Such a scenario could lead to a trade war, increasing geopolitical uncertainty, which is beneficial for precious metals, such as Silver. Donald Trump has also threatened to impose 100% tariffs on the BRICS...