US consumer inflation cooled slightly in July, coming in below expectations and fueling market speculation that the Federal Reserve may cut interest rates in the coming months. The slowdown reflects the broader economic impact of President Donald Trump’s tariff policies.

Oil prices edged lower on Tuesday, August 12, after the United States and China agreed to extend a freeze on planned tariff increases, while U.S. inflation data for July showed a modest rise.

U.S. stocks surged on Tuesday, August 12, as a softer-than-expected inflation report boosted expectations that the Federal Reserve could cut interest rates as early as next month.

With no clear directional movement and a widening spread between domestic and international prices, the gold market is entering a phase of uncertainty. Experts say the most prudent move for investors right now is to stay on the sidelines and observe.

Wall Street kicked off the week with losses on Monday (August 11), as investors turned cautious ahead of critical U.S. inflation reports expected later this week, largely shrugging off positive developments in U.S.-China trade relations.

Global gold prices fell sharply on Monday (August 11), tumbling nearly 2.5% after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that gold would be excluded from newly imposed import tariffs—reversing an earlier ruling by U.S. customs officials.

Crude oil prices held steady on Monday (August 11), following a sharp decline of over 4% last week, as investors turned their focus to an upcoming high-level meeting between the United States and Russia aimed at resolving the conflict in Ukraine.

Oil prices were little changed on Friday, August 8, as markets awaited the anticipated meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump in the coming days.

According to Financial Times, the United States has confirmed it will continue imposing retaliatory tariffs on 1 kg and 100-ounce gold bars imported from Switzerland. This decision is expected to trigger notable disruptions in the global gold market while putting significant pressure on Switzerland’s refining industry — recognized as the world’s largest hub for gold processing.

During the morning trading session on August 7, the price of ring gold continued its upward trend at several local gold firms, while the price of SJC-branded gold bars remained unchanged at a high level for the second consecutive day.

Crude oil prices continued to decline on Tuesday (August 5), as investors reacted to a surprise output increase from OPEC+ and growing concerns over weakening global demand amid uncertain economic conditions in major economies.

U.S. stock markets declined modestly on Tuesday (August 5), as investors absorbed weaker-than-expected economic data and fresh comments on tariffs from President Donald Trump, fueling concerns about the health of the world’s largest economy.