International News 19 March 2025
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Gold prices surge above US$3,000, polished by Middle East tensions
Gold prices surged to a new record high, surpassing $3,000 per troy ounce. This was driven by escalating tensions in the Middle East and trade uncertainty caused by US President Donald Trump's tariff policies. The spot gold price reached $3,038.26 per troy ounce on Tuesday, rising 1.05% to $3,032.96 by noon. The US gold futures contract closed up 1.2% at $3,040.80. This marks a significant increase from the beginning of the year, with gold gaining over 15% and setting a record high 14 times. The surge in demand for gold can be attributed to several key factors, including the escalating tensions in the Middle East, particularly the recent military strikes by Israel in Gaza, and the proposed US tariff measures. Gold is widely regarded as a safe haven asset, particularly during periods of economic and political uncertainty.
Asia Pacific markets mixed as Japan in focus
On Wednesday (19/3/2025), Asia Pacific markets experienced a varied trading session due to a decline on Wall Street triggered by a sell-off in technology stocks. The focus was primarily on the Japanese market as investors awaited the Bank of Japan's (BoJ) announcement on its monetary policy decision. Analysts anticipated that the central bank would maintain its interest rates at 0.5%. Japan's Nikkei 225 and Topix index both saw gains, while South Korea's Kospi index rose but the small-cap Kosdaq experienced some volatility. Australia's S&P/ASX 200 experienced initial losses but showed signs of recovery. Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index (HSI) was expected to open weaker. In the United States, the Dow Jones and S&P 500 both closed lower after two days of gains.
https://investor.id/international/392609/pasar-asia-pasifik-mixed-saat-jepang-jadi-fokus-investor
Sell-Off Shakes Wall Street, 3 Major Indices Collapse Together
Wall Street experienced a sharp downturn on 18th March 2025, reversing the gains of the previous two days. The Dow Jones Industrial Average index fell by 0.62% to 41,581.31 points, while the S&P 500 index dropped by 1.07% to 5,614.66 points. The Nasdaq Composite, which is heavily influenced by technology stocks, experienced the most significant decline, with a 1.71% drop to 17,504.12 points. Tesla shares experienced a substantial decline of over 5%, attributable to intensified competition in the electric vehicle market. Other tech stocks, including Palantir and Nvidia, also experienced losses. The Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund also experienced a 1% drop. According to Rhys Williams, Chief Investment Officer at Wayve Capital, the market appears to be transitioning from high-performing stocks to less attractive sectors. This sell-off coincides with an upcoming deadline on 2nd April.
https://investor.id/market/392590/aksi-jual-mengguncang-wall-street-3-indeks-utama-kompak-ambruk/all