International News 26 November 2025
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Gold Hits One-Week High as Dovish Fed Signals Strengthen Rate-Cut Expectations
Gold prices climbed on Tuesday (Nov 25, 2025), reaching their highest level in more than a week despite a firm U.S. dollar. Spot gold rose 0.2% to US$4,147.51 per ounce, extending Monday’s 1.8% rally, while U.S. gold futures for December delivery gained 1.2% to US$4,144.70. Analysts say the metal’s advance is driven primarily by growing expectations of a Fed rate cut in December, supported by dovish comments from Fed Governor Christopher Waller and New York Fed President John Williams, both pointing to a softening U.S. labor market and the potential for near-term easing. Markets now assign an 81% probability of a December rate cut, up from 40% last week, according to CME’s FedWatch Tool. Investors are also awaiting delayed U.S. economic data—including retail sales, jobless claims, and producer prices—which could offer clearer signals on the Fed’s next steps. Lower interest rates generally favor gold, which offers no yield. In other metals, spot silver was steady at US$51.42 per ounce, while platinum rose 1.1% to US$1,560.60 and palladium edged up 0.2% to US$1,398.88.
Gold Holds Steady as Weak U.S. Retail Data Boosts December Rate-Cut Bets
Gold prices were steady on Tuesday (Nov 25, 2025) after weaker-than-expected U.S. retail sales reinforced expectations that the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates in December. Spot gold traded at US$4,139.79 per ounce in New York, holding near its highest level since mid-November following a nearly 2% surge on Monday. December gold futures settled 1.1% higher at US$4,140. Analysts say dovish comments from multiple Fed officials, combined with soft retail data, have strengthened the case for a third rate cut this year at the December 9–10 FOMC meeting. Market pricing now shows an 85% probability of a December rate cut—up sharply from 50% last week—and a 65% chance of another reduction in January. Fed Governor Stephen Miran said continued labor-market weakness warrants further easing, echoing remarks from Governor Christopher Waller. With gold offering no yield, lower interest rates and ongoing geopolitical and economic uncertainty continue to support prices in the short term. In other precious metals, spot silver slipped 0.3% to US$51.21 per ounce, while platinum rose 0.2% to US$1,546.42 and palladium edged up 0.1% to US$1,397.49.