Global Markets Reeling: Gold Hits Record $4,535 Amid Escalating Middle East Conflict and Energy Supply Fears

Corporate Developments - Sony (SONY) raised PlayStation prices by 30%, citing global economic pressures as the main reason for this increase, reflecting broader trends in manufacturing and logistics costs [6][9] - GSK PLC (GSK) received positive news as China accepted its chronic hepatitis B drug, Bepirovirsen, for evaluation, potentially expanding its market presence [7] - Elbit Systems (ESLT) secured a $48 million contract to supply "tens of thousands" of 155mm artillery shells to the Israeli Ministry of Defense, indicating ongoing demand in the defense sector [7] Economic Indicators - Japan's 40-year government bond yield rose by 10 basis points to 4.020%, while the 30-year yield increased by 8 basis points to 3.780%, reflecting global inflationary pressures and shifting monetary expectations [5][9] - The impact of rising fuel costs is particularly severe in emerging markets, as evidenced by a Thai undertaker's extreme action to highlight the urgent need for fuel [8]