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US Stocks Gain, Gold Hovers Near All-Time High as Russia-Ukraine Talks Loom

US Stocks Gain, Gold Hovers Near All-Time High as Russia-Ukraine Talks Loom

By: Payel

Published on: Mar 18, 2025


Wall Street stocks closed higher on Monday, with gold prices hovering near the $3,000 mark, as investors awaited the outcome of talks between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin aimed at ending the Ukraine war. The geopolitical developments, coupled with mixed economic data, have created a complex backdrop for global markets.


Market Overview


The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 353.44 points, or 0.85%, to 41,841.63, while the S&P 500 gained 36.18 points, or 0.64%, to 5,675.12. The Nasdaq Composite added 54.58 points, or 0.31%, to 17,808.66. Despite the gains, weakness in tech giants like Tesla, Nvidia, and Amazon limited the Nasdaq's advance.


Gold prices remained near record highs, with spot gold rising 0.56% to 3,000.76anounce.U.S.goldfuturesalsoclimbed0.233,000.76anounce.U.S.goldfuturesalsoclimbed0.233,001.50 an ounce. The precious metal's rally reflects investor caution amid geopolitical uncertainty and anticipation of the Federal Reserve's upcoming policy decision.


Geopolitical Developments


President Trump announced plans to speak with President Putin on Tuesday to discuss a potential Russia-Ukraine ceasefire proposal. The prospect of a peace deal has buoyed investor sentiment, as it could alleviate some of the geopolitical risks that have weighed on markets in recent months.


Oliver Pursche, senior vice president at Wealthspire Advisors in New York, noted, "The prospect of Russia and Ukraine developing a cease-fire that could lead to a more permanent peace is positive for markets, not just in the U.S. but globally."


However, tensions in the Middle East remain a concern. Over the weekend, U.S. strikes against Yemen's Houthi movement raised fears of escalating conflict in the oil-rich region, driving crude prices higher.


Economic Data and Fed Policy


Weaker-than-expected U.S. retail sales data for February tempered concerns about inflationary pressures. While the headline figure disappointed, a rebound in online receipts and an upside surprise in the core measure pointed to underlying consumer strength.


"The relatively weaker-than-expected retail sales data for February would tend to indicate less inflationary pressure, potentially offsetting the impact of tariffs," Pursche added.


The Federal Reserve and other central banks are set to convene for policy meetings this week. However, policymakers are expected to maintain a cautious stance as they assess the ramifications of President Trump's multi-front tariff war.


Global Markets


European shares extended their rally, with Germany's debt reform plans boosting confidence in the region's largest economy. The pan-European STOXX 600 index rose 0.79%, while the FTSEurofirst 300 index gained 18.02 points, or 0.83%.


Investors are closely watching the outcome of Ukraine-Russia ceasefire talks, as a resolution could lower energy costs for Europe and provide a tailwind for the region's economy.


In Asia, MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan closed 1.25% higher, while Japan's Nikkei rose 343.42 points, or 0.93%, to 37,396.52.


Treasury Yields and Currency Markets


The U.S. Treasury yield curve flattened amid mixed retail sales data. The yield on benchmark 10-year notes fell 1 basis point to 4.299%, while the 30-year bond yield dropped 2.3 basis points to 4.5919%. Shorter-dated yields rose, reflecting concerns about the U.S. economy softening as the Fed maintains its restrictive policy stance.


The dollar hovered near a five-month low against the euro, as uncertainties surrounding Trump's trade policies kept investors cautious. The dollar index fell 0.33% to 103.39, with the euro up 0.38% at $1.092.


Commodities


Crude oil prices were supported by supply concerns following U.S. strikes in Yemen and encouraging economic data from China. U.S. crude rose 0.60% to settle at 67.58perbarrel,whileBrentcrudegained0.6967.58perbarrel,whileBrentcrudegained0.6971.07 per barrel.


Gold's rally to near-record highs reflects its status as a safe-haven asset amid geopolitical uncertainty and anticipation of the Fed's rate decision.


Conclusion


As global markets navigate a complex landscape of geopolitical risks, economic data, and central bank policies, the outcome of Russia-Ukraine ceasefire talks could provide a much-needed boost to investor sentiment. Meanwhile, gold's record-breaking rally underscores the ongoing demand for safe-haven assets in an uncertain environment.


Investors will be closely watching the Federal Reserve's policy meeting this week for clues on the central bank's outlook for inflation, growth, and interest rates. With President Trump's trade policies continuing to cloud the economic outlook, the path ahead for global markets remains uncertain.


Stay tuned for more updates on the latest developments in global markets and their impact on your investments.

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