Gold Prices Rise as China Pledges Economic Support Amid Interest Rate Speculation
Gold prices rose during Tuesday’s trading, continuing their gains after closing the previous session at a two-week high.
This support came following commitments from China’s Communist Party leaders to implement additional fiscal and monetary measures in 2025 to boost the domestic economy and demand.
Gold
February gold futures rose by 0.22% or $5.9 to $2,691.70 per ounce, while spot gold prices increased by 0.38% to $2,670.33 per ounce.
Conversely, March silver futures fell by 0.26% to $32.525, and spot platinum dropped by 0.38% to $937.93 per ounce.
Statements from the Chinese Communist Party during a meeting yesterday emphasized adopting more proactive fiscal policies to support macroeconomic stability and stimulate domestic demand, alongside easing monetary policies, signaling a shift from the cautious approach of the past 14 years.
Additionally, global geopolitical tensions continued to provide extra support for gold prices, despite some risks easing with the calm in Syria.
Australia
Reserve Bank of Australia Holds Interest Rates at 4.35% Amid Persistent Inflationary Pressures
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) announced on Tuesday that it would maintain its main interest rate at 4.35%, its highest level in 13 years, aligning with market expectations. This decision comes amid ongoing inflationary pressures, with recent data showing a rise in inflation rates, prompting the bank to delay any potential rate cuts.
In a statement, the RBA noted that core inflation remains high, necessitating caution in adjusting monetary policies. The bank reiterated its commitment to monitoring economic developments and taking appropriate measures to ensure price stability.
The RBA has raised interest rates multiple times since last year in an effort to curb rising inflation. It is expected to closely monitor economic data before making any future rate adjustment decisions.
Japan
Japanese Stocks Climb on Yen Stability and China’s Economic Pledge
Japanese stocks closed Tuesday’s session higher, supported by yen stability and investor optimism
about China’s pledge to support its economy in 2025.
The Nikkei Index rose by 0.53% to 39,367 points, while the Topix Index increased by 0.25% to 2,741 points.
The stability of the dollar against the yen at 151.26 yen supported exporters’ stocks.
Toyota’s shares rose by 1.29%, Suzuki Motor by 2.72%, and Honda by 1.12%.
Additionally, shares of companies linked to the Chinese market gained following Beijing’s announcement of proactive fiscal policies to boost domestic demand next year.
Yaskawa Electric’s shares surged by 2.71%, while Sony Group’s shares increased by 4.12%, surpassing their record high from 2000.
Gold Prices Rise as China Pledges Economic Support Amid Interest Rate Speculation