Global Markets Today: Asia Mixed, Gold Shines, Bitcoin Steady Amid Tariff & Jobs Uncertainty

Asian markets traded mixed as Japan’s Nikkei dropped following weak U.S. jobs data, sparking concerns over global growth. Trade tensions remained in focus, with Trump planning a new labor appointment and talks on auto tariffs with Japan and Switzerland.

Gold held firm on rising Fed rate cut expectations, with Citi raising its forecast to $3,500/oz. Bitcoin steadied near $114K after last week’s losses, supported by fresh institutional buying from Japan’s Metaplanet.

Other headlines included UBS’s $300M fine, a Boeing worker strike, slipping oil prices after an OPEC+ output hike, and expectations of a Bank of England rate cut to address inflation pressures.

Markets across Asia opened the week on a cautious note as investors processed a flurry of macroeconomic signals, political developments, and central bank expectations. From shifting trade dynamics to renewed optimism around gold, here’s what’s shaping the global financial landscape today:

Japan Drags Asian Markets on Weak U.S. Jobs Data

Asian stock indices traded mixed on Monday, with Japan’s Nikkei leading losses following a weak U.S. jobs report that weighed on Wall Street. The disappointing employment data raised concerns about the pace of economic recovery, especially in developed markets, adding pressure to cyclical stocks and manufacturing exporters.

Trump Eyes New Tariff Talks, Appointments

U.S. President Donald Trump signaled fresh developments on two fronts:

• He’s expected to appoint a new head of the Bureau of Labor Statistics within the next few days.
• Meanwhile, tariff tensions remain front and center, as Japan’s Prime Minister Ishiba expressed willingness to enter talks to lower U.S. auto tariffs, potentially signaling a more open trade stance between the two nations.

Additionally, Switzerland is reportedly considering revising its trade offer to the U.S. in response to the evolving tariff environment.

Bitcoin Steadies After Rough Week

After suffering sharp losses last week, Bitcoin stabilized around $114,000 as investor sentiment tried to recover from fears related to trade uncertainty and global economic softness. Japanese firm Metaplanet added 463 more BTC to its holdings, bringing its total to over 17,500 coins — a sign of continued institutional support in Asia.

Gold Holds Gains on Fed Rate Cut Expectations

Gold prices remained steady in Asian trading after a strong rally, supported by weak U.S. jobs data that boosted bets on a Federal Reserve rate cut. Concerns over trade tensions and a softer dollar further enhanced gold’s appeal as a safe-haven asset amid global economic uncertainty.

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UBS Fined $300M, Boeing Workers Strike

• UBS has agreed to pay $300 million to settle U.S. cases linked to mortgage-backed securities sold by Credit Suisse prior to their merger.
• Over 3,000 Boeing workers went on strike in St. Louis after rejecting a contract offer, posing a potential disruption in the defense and aerospace supply chain.

These significant corporate and labor developments highlight ongoing challenges in the financial and industrial sectors, which could impact market stability and investor confidence in the near term.

Oil Slips as OPEC+ Plans Output Hike

Crude oil prices fell slightly after OPEC+ announced plans to increase production in September, despite lingering demand uncertainty. Jet fuel exports from Asia to Europe rose sharply in July, indicating increased travel demand.

Dollar Finds Support, BoE Readies for Rate Cut

The U.S. dollar regained some footing after being battered by Friday’s jobs report. Meanwhile, the Bank of England is widely expected to lower rates this week to 4% as it continues battling stubborn inflation in a weakening economic environment.

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Today’s market action reflects a global economy at a critical crossroads. Slowing growth in the U.S., tariff policy shifts, and central bank maneuvers are reshaping risk sentiment across asset classes.

Gold’s upward momentum, crypto’s stabilizing tone, and divergent equity trends in Asia offer traders both opportunities and caution flags. As always, SGFX helps you navigate these shifts with real-time updates, reliable analysis, and institutional-grade tools.