Currency accords and fiscal policy offer U.S. dollar headwinds - BofA

Gold prices are on track for a weekly gain, thanks to a weaker U.S. dollar and growing concerns about America's fiscal health. Analysts at StoneX note that while gold futures are seeing a slight pullback—something traders expected—it might actually be a good chance for bullish investors to jump back in at lower prices.

Editor’s Note: Gold's recent dip isn’t necessarily bad news—it could be a brief pause before another climb. With the dollar softening and worries about U.S. spending lingering, gold’s classic role as a safe-haven asset is back in focus. For investors, this might be a window to buy before the next rally.

Japan's government bond yields are expected to keep climbing, but here's the twist—it's not because investors are spooked about the country's debt. Instead, the Bank of Japan (BOJ) is likely pushing rates higher as part of its policy shifts. That’s the take from analysts at Capital Economics, who see this as more of a deliberate move than a market panic.

Editor’s Note: For anyone tracking global finance, this is a subtle but important signal. Rising bond yields usually scream "risk," but in Japan's case, it’s more about the BOJ slowly stepping back from its ultra-loose monetary policy. That could ripple through everything from mortgage rates to corporate borrowing costs—so even if it’s not a crisis, it’s worth watching.

Rio Tinto’s CEO, Jakob Stausholm, is unexpectedly stepping down later this year, catching many off guard. He took the reins in 2020 after the Juukan Gorge scandal and was credited with reshaping the company’s culture, pushing for better environmental and social practices (ESG), and steering Rio Tinto toward lithium mining—a key move for the energy transition. His sudden exit leaves uncertainty about whether the company will stay on this path.

Editor’s Note: CEO departures are always big news, but this one’s especially interesting because Stausholm was seen as a reformer. He stepped in after Rio Tinto’s reputation took a hit (remember the Indigenous heritage site blunder?) and tried to clean things up. Now, investors and industry watchers are left wondering: Will his successor keep pushing for sustainability, or will priorities shift? It’s a reminder of how much leadership changes can ripple through a company’s strategy—especially in mining, where profits and ethics often collide.

Oil prices are heading for a drop this week as traders worry OPEC+ might pump even more crude into an already oversupplied market. It’s a classic case of too much supply and not enough demand—or at least, not enough confidence in demand—dragging prices down.

Editor’s Note: For drivers and businesses, cheaper oil might sound like good news, but the bigger picture here is shaky. If producers keep flooding the market, it could signal deeper concerns about global economic health—like weaker growth or slumping industrial activity. Plus, volatile energy prices ripple through everything from inflation to corporate profits, so this isn’t just a story for oil traders.

Great news for British households—your energy bills are about to drop. Ofgem, the energy regulator, just announced a 7% cut to the price cap, meaning the typical annual dual-fuel bill will fall to £1,720 starting in July. That’s around £129 less per year, thanks to a recent slump in European gas prices.

Editor’s Note: After years of sky-high energy costs, this drop offers some much-needed relief. While bills are still higher than pre-crisis levels, the reduction eases the squeeze on budgets, especially for families already stretched thin. It’s a sign that global energy markets are stabilizing, but experts warn prices could swing again—so enjoy the break while it lasts.