Global financial markets ended a turbulent week on a cautious note, with stocks subdued and precious metals surging to fresh highs amid renewed geopolitical uncertainty and policy concerns in the United States.
Gold, traditionally seen as a safe-haven asset, climbed close to the $5,000-an-ounce mark, while silver extended its rally, pushing beyond $102 an ounce. The strong gains reflected growing investor unease over geopolitical risks and policy unpredictability.
Market sentiment was shaken after US President Donald Trump, following a brief easing of tensions with Europe over Greenland-related tariff threats, issued a fresh warning toward Iran, saying the United States was deploying a “massive fleet” as a precaution. The comments revived fears of renewed military escalation, despite recent indications from both sides that diplomacy should be given a chance.
The US dollar weakened further, sliding to a four-month low against the euro, as concerns mounted over trade policy uncertainty and pressure on US institutions. Analysts noted that Trump’s readiness to threaten tariffs on a wide range of issues continues to unsettle investors and undermine confidence.
Equity markets struggled for direction. European bourses closed mixed, with Frankfurt marginally higher, while London and Paris ended lower. On Wall Street, the Dow Jones Industrial Average retreated, even as the Nasdaq edged up. Intel shares plunged 17% after issuing weaker-than-expected earnings guidance. Asian markets, however, closed broadly higher.
