Markets at a Glance: Gold Slips, Crypto Scrutinized, Oil Eases as Asia Opens
Asia-Pacific trading began the week on a cautious note as commodities and digital assets moved on shifting policy expectations and geopolitical headlines. Gold edged lower after rate-cut odds narrowed, oil softened on the resumption of key port activity, and cryptocurrencies faced renewed regulatory attention, adding to volatility across risk assets.
Gold prices dipped roughly 0.8% as expectations for imminent Federal Reserve rate cuts cooled, dampening physical demand. Despite the pullback, the metal remains sharply higher year to date, supported by safe-haven flows and macro uncertainty. Traders will watch upcoming U.S. data and Fed communications for clues on the path of interest rates and real yields—key drivers for bullion.
In crypto markets, a fresh report highlighting an estimated $28 billion in illicit flows tied to digital assets put exchanges and compliance controls under the microscope, intensifying regulatory risk. Bitcoin extended recent losses, erasing its 2025 gains in early Asia hours and shedding about $600 billion in market value from its highs despite ETF adoption and supportive political rhetoric. Liquidity conditions and risk appetite remain central to near-term price action.
Broader macro dynamics also weighed on commodities and equities. Oil prices eased as operations resumed at Russia’s Novorossiysk port following strike disruptions, pushing Brent below $64 and WTI near $59, even as geopolitical risks continue to cap downside. In equities, Europe’s market value still trails the U.S. by roughly fourfold, with fragmentation seen as a drag on growth and valuations—fueling calls for consolidation. Meanwhile, a proposed 107% U.S. tariff on Italian pasta could lift consumer prices or tighten supply, with commodity and consumer staples traders assessing knock-on effects.
Key Points – Gold slips about 0.8% as odds of near-term Fed rate cuts fade, but remains strong year to date. – Crypto faces heightened regulatory scrutiny amid an estimated $28B in illicit flows; exchanges under pressure. – Bitcoin loses all 2025 gains in Asia trading and is down roughly $600B from peak market value. – Oil retreats as Novorossiysk port activity resumes; Brent below $64, WTI near $59; geopolitical risks persist. – Europe’s stock market value remains about four times smaller than the U.S., with fragmentation cited as a key headwind. – Proposed 107% U.S. tariff on Italian pasta could drive price increases or shortages, impacting consumer staples and commodities.
