Trade Wars 2.0 - news and analysis

The second presidency of Donald Trump initiated escalation of tariffs that triggered significant financial movements. These actions may to increased costs for businesses and consumers, disrupted supply chains, and created market uncertainty. Retaliatory tariffs from affected nations can further strain global trade, impacting economic growth and prompting concerns about long-term financial stability.

Gold (XAU/USD) Hovers at $3350/oz, Russia-Ukraine Developments in Focus

Gold prices rallied from an overnight low around the $3323/oz handle to a high of $3360/oz before settling around the $3350/oz mark. The precious metal looks set to continue its choppy price action at the start of a busy week. The recovery in Gold from the overnight low could in part be down to lower US Treasury Yields with the benchmark 10Y US Treasury yield falling from its recent highs.

18-08-2025 12:14 GMT by Zain Vawda

WTI Crude Technical: Bearish tone intact as Trump-Zelenskiy meeting looms

WTI crude (West Texas Oil CFD) extended its decline, sliding -3.2% to a three-month low of US$62.19 on 13 Aug and dipping further in Asia trading to US$62.47 after the Trump–Putin meeting. Despite Trump calling the talks “productive,” no ceasefire details emerged, keeping bearish momentum intact. Technical signals suggest further downside risk, with support eyed at US$61.30 and US$60.60/60.10.

18-08-2025 08:34 GMT by Kelvin Wong