Gold Slips but Remains Above $5,100 as Markets Focus on U.S.-Iran TalksCONCLUDED[Stock Market News From Feb. 26, 2026: Nasdaq Sinks 1.2%]Last Updated:---16 hours ago# Gold Slips but Remains Above $5,100 as Markets Focus on U.S.-Iran TalksByGiulia Petroni, Dow Jones NewswiresGold prices slipped in early trading but remained above $5,100 a troy ounce as investors look ahead to U.S.-Iran talks later on Thursday.New York futures fall 0.7% to $5,191.60 an ounce, with gains tempered by concerns that U.S. interest ...

Employers and workers need a stable, predictable U.S. trade policy. ...

Precious metals prices rallied on the back of heightened uncertainty over U.S. trade policy. ...

Group 1 - The U.S. trade policy is expected to become more stable and less chaotic compared to previous years, indicating a shift towards a more predictable environment for businesses [1] - However, the trade policy will not revert to the conditions that existed prior to 2025, suggesting that companies should prepare for a new normal in trade relations [1]

Wall Street analysts aren’t convinced the U.S. dollar’s rally Monday will continue this year. - AFP via Getty Images The U.S. dollar was attempting to bounce back Monday against the backdrop of a resilient economy and recent signs of sticky inflation — but that doesn’t mean it’s gaining strength as a safe-haven asset this year. Weakness reflected in the dollar’s January slide may remain, as investors’ confidence in the world’s reserve currency may be somewhat shaken. Most Read from MarketWatch The gre ...

Core Viewpoint - Officials are currently unable to predict the timing and direction of the central bank's next rate move [1] Group 1 - The uncertainty surrounding the central bank's next rate decision may impact market stability and investor confidence [1]

Economic Indicators - The S&P 500 rose approximately 0.3% as investors reacted to the December jobs report, which showed nonfarm payrolls increased by roughly 50,000, slightly below expectations, while the unemployment rate decreased to 4.4% [1][14] - The U.S. job market exhibited slower growth in December, with payroll gains weaker than anticipated, but a slight decline in unemployment suggested stable labor conditions [5][6] - Economists noted that job creation in late 2025 was the slowest in years, influenced by climate uncertainty, trade tensions, and technological shifts, yet wage gains remained positive and layoffs were modest [6] Market Reactions - The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose to around 49,279, while the Nasdaq Composite traded above 23,514, indicating a positive finish for all three major indexes [3][1] - Energy-related stocks like NuScale Power and Applied Digital saw significant gains of 7.7% and 7.9% respectively, reflecting a rotation in sectors benefiting from fiscal and trade policies [9][1] Supreme Court Tariff Review - The Supreme Court is reviewing Trump-era tariffs imposed under emergency authority, with a ruling that could reshape U.S. trade policy and influence corporate planning across various industries [2][10] - If the court strikes down the tariffs, companies could claim between $150 billion and $200 billion in refunds, potentially boosting sectors such as retail, consumer goods, and technology [11][15] - Conversely, if tariffs are upheld, persistent trade barriers could increase costs for many industries, potentially slowing hiring and investment [11][15] Geopolitical and Policy Influences - Broader geopolitical tensions, particularly regarding U.S. policy toward Iran and the Middle East, are affecting oil markets and global investor risk appetite [12] - President Trump directed federal agencies to purchase up to $200 billion in mortgage-backed securities to lower long-term interest rates, which could influence bond markets and housing affordability [13]

Market Overview - U.S. markets opened with small caps in the Russell 2000 leading at +0.41%, while large cap indexes like Nasdaq (+0.10%), Dow (+0.07%), and S&P 500 (+0.01%) showed little change [2] - Gold is approaching $4,000, with a +0.77% increase, while the 10-Year Treasury yield rose by +2.3 basis points to 4.114% [3] Employment Data - The ADP Employment Change report indicated an addition of 42,000 jobs in October, marking the first increase since July, which may have contributed to a turnaround in U.S. equities [3] Political and Economic Developments - Trump's emergency use power tariffs are set to be argued at the Supreme Court, following overturns by two lower courts, with potential implications for U.S. trade policy depending on the court's ruling [4] - The U.S. government shutdown has reached day 36, becoming the longest in history, with limited progress on reopening as Republicans are unlikely to pursue the 'nuclear option' [5]

Core Viewpoint - Expeditors International of Washington reported third-quarter profit and revenue exceeding Wall Street estimates, driven by strong airfreight volumes and increased demand for customs brokerage services [1][4]. Group 1: Financial Performance - The company achieved quarterly revenue of $2.89 billion, surpassing analysts' expectations of $2.73 billion [4]. - Quarterly profit was reported at $1.64 per share, exceeding estimates of $1.40 per share [4]. - Revenue from the airfreight segment increased to $1.02 billion from $986.9 million year-over-year [3]. - The customs brokerage segment reported revenue of $1.13 billion, up from $995.6 million a year earlier [3]. Group 2: Operational Insights - Airfreight tonnage rose by 4% in the reported quarter, primarily due to shipments from Asia [2]. - The easing of previously tight air capacity followed the expiration of the 'de minimis' exemption for goods entering the United States [2]. - The customs brokerage business is experiencing strong growth due to a dynamic trade environment, with rising volumes and complexity of entries posing challenges [3]. Group 3: Market Challenges - Revenue in the ocean freight and services division declined to $746.1 million from $1.02 billion a year earlier, attributed to pricing volatility and lower shipment volumes as importers adjusted orders ahead of anticipated tariffs [4].

Group 1 - Gold futures have increased by 0.7% after a significant decline of nearly 8% from a record high of $4,359.40 per troy ounce set on October 20 [1][2] - The market sentiment has shifted from exuberance to reflection, indicating a more cautious approach among investors [1] - There is uncertainty regarding how much of the supportive factors for gold in 2025, such as U.S. trade policy uncertainty and strong central bank demand, are already priced into futures [2] Group 2 - Speculation exists that further upside for gold prices is likely, but the timing of this potential increase remains uncertain [2]