Gold prices in India fell on Thursday, according to FXStreet data. The price for gold was INR 12,840.15 per gram, down from INR 12,884.75 the day before. The cost per tola also dropped to INR 149,762.60 from INR 150,285.10. FXStreet sets gold prices based on international rates (USD/INR) and converts them to local currency and units.

The Role Of Gold As A Safe Haven

Gold acts as a store of value and a method for exchange. It’s often seen as a safe-haven asset during uncertain times. Additionally, it’s viewed as a protection against inflation and currency devaluation. Central banks are the biggest buyers of gold, adding 1,136 tonnes to their reserves in 2022, worth about $70 billion. Countries like China, India, and Turkey are quickly increasing their gold reserves. Gold prices often move in the opposite direction of the US Dollar and US Treasuries and tend to rise when the Dollar weakens. Interest rates and geopolitical events also influence gold prices; they usually increase when rates are low or when instability rises. Legal and market disclaimers state that FXStreet offers information for educational purposes, encouraging thorough research before making financial choices.

Overview Of Current Market Conditions

Gold prices are dipping slightly, but this isn’t a sign of a major decline. This softness seems to be a temporary pause following a period of unusual calm in the markets at the end of 2025. The important thing is to look beyond this daily fluctuation and consider the larger trends in the coming weeks. The US Dollar remains strong, which currently limits gold’s rise. Last year, in 2025, major central banks kept interest rates steady, contributing to a quiet economic environment. Now, we are anticipating any changes, as the final inflation numbers from Q4 2025 showed unexpected stability. Beneath this surface-level price action, there is a solid foundation for gold. Central banks, especially from emerging economies, continued their historic buying trend throughout 2025, which started in 2022. The World Gold Council’s year-end data for 2025 confirmed that over 800 tonnes were added to official reserves, indicating that major players are taking advantage of any price dips to buy more gold. For derivative traders, this calm situation presents an opportunity. The Gold Volatility Index is at its lowest in 18 months, making options contracts relatively inexpensive. This implies that we should consider buying long-term call options in preparation for a potential breakout later this quarter. This strategy allows us to capture a significant movement if rising geopolitical tensions or an unexpected central bank policy shift drives demand back into safe-haven assets. The risk remains limited to the premium paid, which is quite reasonable in the current climate. We believe that the market’s current lack of concern is exactly why we should prepare for a return of volatility. Create your live VT Markets account and start trading now.

here to set up a live account on VT Markets now

Dear Client,

Please note that the dividends of the following products will be adjusted accordingly. Index dividends will be executed separately through a balance statement directly to your trading account, and the comment will be in the following format “Div & Product Name & Net Volume”.

Please refer to the table below for more details:

The above data is for reference only, please refer to the MT4/MT5 software for specific data.

If you’d like more information, please don’t hesitate to contact [email protected].

Gold prices in Malaysia fell on Thursday, according to FXStreet. The price per gram is now 579.41 Malaysian Ringgits (MYR), down from 581.50 MYR the day before. The price per tola also dropped to 6,758.12 MYR from 6,782.50 MYR. FXStreet provides daily updates on Malaysian Gold prices, converting international prices into the local currency. These prices act as a guideline and may not match local rates exactly.

Gold As An Investment

Gold is a reliable way to hold value and protect against inflation and declining currencies, making it a popular investment during uncertain economic times. Central banks, especially in countries like China, India, and Turkey, are major buyers of Gold. In 2022, they purchased a record 1,136 tonnes. Gold’s value often moves opposite to the US Dollar and other risky assets. Its price can increase during geopolitical tensions or fears of recession and tends to rise when interest rates fall. A stronger US Dollar usually keeps Gold prices lower, while a weaker Dollar can push prices higher. Today’s slight price drop should be viewed as normal market fluctuation rather than a significant trend change. This small decline follows a strong period for Gold, driven by major economic shifts that occurred through 2025. The key factors supporting Gold appear to be stable. Central bank policies, especially from the US Federal Reserve, remain a critical influence. After keeping rates high for a long time, the Fed began to lower rates cautiously in the second half of 2025, which has weakened the US Dollar. A softer Dollar typically helps Gold prices rise, making it more affordable for those using other currencies.

Institutional Demand And Inflation

It’s important to note the strong institutional demand for Gold that has been growing for years. Central banks added nearly a record 1,037 tonnes to their reserves in 2023, and this strategic buying from emerging economies shows no signs of slowing. This steady demand helps keep prices stable and suggests that any significant drops will likely attract strong buying. Additionally, inflation, while lower than in previous years, remains a concern for investors. It continues to hover above the 2% target in many major economies, reinforcing Gold’s role as a protection against currency depreciation. This situation indicates that price dips should be seen as opportunities rather than signs of a trend reversal. Given these factors, derivative traders might find the current price appealing for entry. Any weakness in the coming weeks could present a chance to prepare for an upward trend. Strategies like buying call spreads could offer a cost-effective way to bet on a price recovery while managing risk. Create your live VT Markets account and start trading now.

here to set up a live account on VT Markets now

The US Dollar Index stays steady above 98.50, even with recent weak data and the upcoming jobs report on Friday. In December, US ADP Employment grew by 41,000, which is lower than the expected 47,000. The Index tracks the US Dollar against six major currencies and holds at about 98.70 after recent gains. Attention is on US jobless claims, along with the Nonfarm Payrolls report that predicts December job gains of 55,000, down from November’s 64,000.

US Services and Job Openings

The ISM reported that the US Services PMI rose to 54.4 in December, exceeding the expected 52.3. November’s JOLTS Job Openings were 7.146 million, which is below the anticipated 7.6 million. Fed Governor Stephen Miran is calling for aggressive rate cuts to boost the economy. At the same time, Neel Kashkari is warning about the possibility of rising unemployment rates. The US Dollar, the most traded currency in the world, handles over $6.6 trillion each day. It became the world’s reserve currency after World War II, replacing the British Pound.

Federal Reserve and the Dollar

The Federal Reserve influences the Dollar by adjusting interest rates to control inflation and employment. Quantitative easing can weaken the Dollar, while quantitative tightening usually strengthens it. Looking back to late 2025, the US Dollar Index stayed around 98.70 despite mixed signals. The labor market seemed weak, with low ADP employment figures and decreasing job openings hinting at a slowdown. Fed officials were discussing the need for aggressive rate cuts to support the economy. However, the December Nonfarm Payrolls report surprised everyone by showing a strong addition of 150,000 jobs, far above the predicted 55,000. Coupled with core inflation staying around 2.8% in Q4 2025, this led to a quick reassessment of any immediate Fed changes. The dollar then rallied and broke important resistance levels. As of January 8, 2026, the DXY is trading much higher at approximately 101.50. However, last week’s initial jobless claims rose to 240,000, raising concerns about the strength of the labor market. This mixed data creates an uncertain environment, suggesting that implied volatility may rise. Buying options, such as straddles on major pairs like EUR/USD, could be a smart strategy to take advantage of significant price movements in either direction. Currently, the market expects a high chance of a 25 basis point rate cut at the Fed’s meeting later this month. However, the strong data from December gives them room to wait if they decide to do so. This makes short-term bets risky. Traders might consider using option spreads, like selling call spreads on the DXY, to manage risk while positioning for possible dollar weakness if future data confirms a slowdown. This fluctuating price behavior reminds us of the choppy markets in mid-2023 before the Fed paused its rate hikes. The big takeaway for the coming weeks is that we are highly dependent on data. Any significant changes in inflation or employment figures from what is expected are likely to lead to sharp moves in the dollar. Create your live VT Markets account and start trading now.

here to set up a live account on VT Markets now

Indonesia’s foreign reserves grew to $156.5 billion in December, up from $150.1 billion. This increase indicates that the country is financially stable. Foreign reserves are important for a nation’s economic health. When reserves rise, it shows that the government can better support its currency and meet international financial obligations.

Impact of Oil and Gold Prices

In related news, WTI oil prices have dropped to around $56.00 due to a Venezuelan oil deal that has affected US oil inventory levels. Meanwhile, gold prices are struggling despite some supportive factors, and the USD/INR has strengthened after intervention from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). The Japanese Yen is facing difficulties attracting buyers because of uncertainties surrounding the Bank of Japan (BOJ). The AUD/JPY has encountered selling pressure, with initial support above 102.50, while GBP/USD remains stable near 1.3465. These insights and market movements are for informational purposes only. It is essential to do thorough research before making financial decisions, as risks are involved. FXStreet provides market insights and encourages readers to be aware of the risks. They do not offer personalized investment advice, and individuals hold all responsibility for their investment outcomes.

Rupiah Stability and Trading Strategies

Indonesia’s foreign exchange reserves saw a major increase in December 2025, reaching $156.5 billion. This gives Bank Indonesia a stronger position to defend the Rupiah against significant declines, signaling stability for the currency in early 2026. This strength suggests that we should look for strategies that benefit from lower volatility in the USD/IDR currency pair. In the second half of 2025, the central bank actively worked to prevent the Rupiah from falling below 15,800, and this increased reserve level supports that effort. Selling USD/IDR rallies may become a reliable strategy in the coming weeks. For derivative traders, the implied volatility on USD/IDR options may be too high. Selling out-of-the-money calls on the pair could be a good opportunity, as the strong reserves act as a limit on extreme price increases. This outlook is based on the assumption that Bank Indonesia will use its increased reserves to manage market fluctuations. This growth in reserves is backed by positive economic developments from 2025. Strong prices for key exports like palm oil and nickel, along with inflation cooling to 2.9% by year-end, create a favorable environment. This reduces the central bank’s need to raise interest rates to support the currency. The global situation also appears advantageous for this perspective. With the US Federal Reserve hinting at a pause in its rate-hiking cycle in late 2025, the pressure on the US dollar has subsided. This creates a more supportive environment for emerging market currencies, including the Rupiah, as we enter the new year. Create your live VT Markets account and start trading now.

here to set up a live account on VT Markets now

The EUR/USD pair is currently around the 50-day EMA at 1.1682, which shows weakening momentum. The 14-day RSI is at 42.6, indicating a neutral to bearish trend. The first resistance level is the nine-day EMA at 1.1711. After four days of losses, EUR/USD is trading around 1.1680 during Asian trading hours on Thursday. The daily chart shows the RSI falling below the 50 midline, signaling weakening momentum and a bearish market stance.

Decline In Upward Momentum

The pair is below both the nine-day and 50-day EMAs, showing a decline in upward momentum. The medium-term average is rising slightly but is flattening, while the short-term average is falling, limiting immediate gains. Staying below the nine-day EMA makes EUR/USD vulnerable. If weakness continues, risks may shift downward. A close below the 50-day EMA at 1.1682 could weaken medium-term momentum further and may lead to testing the monthly low at 1.1589. If the pair rises above the nine-day EMA at 1.1711, it could regain momentum, targeting the recent high of 1.1808. Continued increases may improve short-term momentum, paving the way to 1.1918, the highest point since June 2021. Looking back to December 2025, we noticed the EUR/USD pair showing signs of weakening momentum. Prices struggled below the 1.1700 level, and the bearish RSI supported this view as we entered the new year.

Bears Continued Dominance

Last week confirmed the bearish trend with a strong U.S. Non-Farm Payrolls report for December 2025, which added 210,000 jobs, exceeding the expected 180,000. This, along with weaker-than-expected Eurozone inflation, pushed the pair below the previous support at 1.1589. Now, we see the pair stabilizing around 1.1550. For options traders, this drop below key support levels suggests a new strategy. Buying put options to bet on further declines is a main focus, especially as implied volatility increases after recent economic data. Creating bear put spreads could also help limit costs while keeping a bearish position. Those with short futures contracts have benefited and should actively manage their positions. The key resistance levels from late 2025, especially around the 1.1682 to 1.1711 range, now act as significant obstacles to any recovery. Any rally toward this area may be viewed as a chance to open new short positions. Create your live VT Markets account and start trading now.

here to set up a live account on VT Markets now

The NZD/USD pair fell to about 0.5765 during Thursday’s Asian session as traders eagerly awaited the US employment report set to release on Friday. The US Dollar gained strength as the market remained cautious, anticipating important economic data from the US. Economists predict that the US economy will add around 60,000 jobs in December, and the unemployment rate might drop to 4.5%. A strong report could boost the US Dollar, while weaker results may lead the Federal Reserve to ease its stance, putting pressure on the Greenback.

US Services Activity and Political Uncertainties

US services activity improved in December, with the ISM Services PMI rising to 54.4, surpassing the previous 52.6 and the forecast of 52.3. Meanwhile, political instability in Venezuela could impact riskier assets like the New Zealand Dollar, also known as the Kiwi. The Kiwi’s value is affected by New Zealand’s economic health and the policies of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand. Factors such as China’s economic performance and dairy prices also play a role. Economic data from New Zealand shapes the NZD by impacting perceptions of growth and inflation, which in turn influence investor interest and interest rate decisions. During periods of market confidence, the NZD usually strengthens; however, it tends to weaken during market downturns. In early 2025, the NZD/USD pair was under pressure near 0.5750 due to concerns about an upcoming US jobs report. This caution was justified, as the US Dollar remained strong throughout the year. Now, in January 2026, the pair is trading lower as the economic situation has become clearer. The US labor market has proved to be unexpectedly strong, contributing to the Dollar’s strength. The latest jobs report for December 2025 revealed the economy added 199,000 jobs, exceeding forecasts, while the unemployment rate stayed low at 3.7%. This data implies that the Federal Reserve may not feel urgent pressure to cut interest rates.

New Zealand Economic Headwinds

This strong employment situation is a stark contrast to the previous year when traders hoped for signs of weakness that would prompt the Fed to ease. A robust US economy suggests that interest rate differentials will continue to favor the US Dollar. Derivative traders should account for this ongoing Dollar strength in their strategies. On the flip side, New Zealand’s economy faces significant challenges. Although the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) has kept its interest rate at 5.50% for over a year to combat inflation, attention is now turning to how long it can sustain this high rate. The pressure of elevated rates is becoming more evident in the domestic economy. A major concern is the situation in China, New Zealand’s largest trading partner. Recent data shows China’s manufacturing PMI struggling to stay above the critical 50-point mark that indicates growth, suggesting a slow economic recovery. This directly impacts the demand for New Zealand’s exports, putting downward pressure on the Kiwi. While dairy prices have shown some modest recovery based on the latest Global Dairy Trade auction data, this improvement is not enough to counter the overall negative sentiment in the market. The Venezuelan political tensions that briefly impacted markets in early 2025 have eased, but broader concerns about global economic growth persist. With a strong US economy contrasting with New Zealand’s challenges, traders might consider strategies that capitalize on potential further weakness or sideways movement in the NZD/USD. Buying put options could help position for continued declines while managing risk. Selling call options at strike prices above recent highs may also be an option for those who believe the pair’s upside is limited. Create your live VT Markets account and start trading now.

here to set up a live account on VT Markets now

Silver prices are hovering around $78.00 during the Asian session, down 0.40% for the day. However, silver remains above the previous low of $77.00, which suggests support for bullish traders. The 100-hour Simple Moving Average (SMA) at about $75.65 is essential for short-term trading. Indicators like MACD and RSI show stabilizing momentum, hinting that buying on dips could be a good strategy. If prices drop below $75.00, they may fall toward the mid-$74.00 range, establishing a base for silver. Several factors impact silver prices, including geopolitical issues, interest rates, and the performance of the US Dollar. Silver is heavily used in industries such as electronics and solar energy, which can boost demand and influence prices. Economic performance in the US, China, and India, where silver is widely used, can also affect price movements. Silver often tracks gold’s price, and the gold/silver ratio reveals their relative values. A higher ratio might mean silver is undervalued compared to gold, while a lower ratio could indicate the opposite. As of today, January 8, 2026, silver remains steady around $78.00. The current technical trend suggests buying on dips toward the support line near $77.00, which may be a good entry point for bullish investors. Buying call options or modest long futures contracts could be wise if prices approach these support levels. The crucial pivot point is still the 100-hour moving average around $75.65. If silver stays above this level, the upward trend looks promising. This positive outlook is backed by recent industrial data. The latest US ISM Manufacturing PMI unexpectedly rose to 50.8, indicating growth and increased demand for industrial metals. Additionally, a report from the Solar Energy Industries Association noted a 15% year-over-year rise in panel installations, reflecting strong silver consumption. Looking back at the last quarter of 2025, the Federal Reserve’s dovish approach has helped boost precious metals, keeping the US Dollar Index near a six-month low of 101.50. A weaker dollar makes silver cheaper for people using other currencies, usually raising its price. However, it’s important to have a risk management plan in place. If silver moves decisively below the $75.65 pivot point, our positive view could change, potentially leading to a sharp price drop. In that case, we would consider buying put options to protect long positions or even shorting. The gold/silver ratio also supports this outlook, currently at a high 85. Comparing this to averages from 2024 and 2025 suggests silver is undervalued against gold. This may prompt a shift toward silver, possibly leading to better performance in the upcoming weeks.

here to set up a live account on VT Markets now

USD/CAD is trending upward, reaching about 1.3860 during Asian trading hours on Thursday. This rise is supported by the Canadian Dollar’s struggles, as US President Donald Trump signals potential increases in Venezuelan oil imports, which might reduce demand for Canadian oil. Prime Minister Mark Carney believes Canadian crude oil can still compete, despite the threat from Venezuela. He plans to visit China in January to explore new avenues for Canadian exports due to uncertainties in US trade policy.

Canada’s Economic Indicators

In December 2025, Canada’s Ivey PMI climbed to 51.9, surpassing expectations and indicating economic growth after a contraction in November. Meanwhile, forecasts for US Nonfarm Payroll growth fell from 64,000 in November to an expected 55,000 in December. The US Services PMI increased to 54.4 in December from 52.6 in November, according to the Institute for Supply Management. The ADP Employment Change in the US showed an increase of 41,000 jobs in December, slightly below market predictions. The value of the Canadian Dollar is affected by various factors, such as interest rates from the Bank of Canada, oil prices, and other economic indicators. Generally, high oil prices strengthen the CAD, while inflation data often leads to higher interest rates, attracting investments. Key economic figures like GDP and employment statistics also significantly influence CAD value.

Potential Global Market Impacts

The ongoing rise in USD/CAD above 1.3850 is linked to potential changes in the global oil market. The possibility of Venezuelan oil re-entering the mix poses a challenge for the Canadian dollar, threatening the already precarious price of WTI crude, which is struggling to stay above $75 a barrel. Historically, new sources of supply can widen the gap in Canadian crude prices, negatively affecting the currency. However, we must consider the surprising strength of Canada’s economy, as shown by the Ivey PMI data from December 2025, which indicates a return to economic growth. This suggests resilience in the Canadian dollar, complicating a solely negative outlook. Strong domestic data may also lead the Bank of Canada to refrain from signaling upcoming rate cuts, providing some stability for the currency. The main focus this week is tomorrow’s US Nonfarm Payrolls report, which will significantly impact the US dollar’s direction. The ADP report from December 2025 was below expectations, and another weak labor report could heighten bets on a Federal Reserve rate cut by mid-2026, a scenario that future markets already estimate at a 60% chance. This context makes the US dollar’s current strength seem tenuous. Given this mix of data, there’s a compelling reason to use options to trade the expected rise in volatility. One-week implied volatility on USD/CAD options has surged to over 9.5%, rising from a December 2025 average of 7.2%, indicating that the market anticipates a significant movement. Buying a straddle before the jobs report could be a wise strategy to benefit from a sharp price change, regardless of which direction it takes. We’re also monitoring key technical levels, as the pair tests resistance that held throughout much of the fourth quarter of 2025. A strong US jobs report could push the pair past the 1.3900 psychological barrier, leading to further gains. Conversely, a weak report might provoke a rapid retreat back toward the 1.3700 support zone. Create your live VT Markets account and start trading now.

here to set up a live account on VT Markets now

WTI prices climbed to about $56.30 during Thursday’s Asian session after U.S. crude stockpiles decreased. The U.S. Energy Information Administration reported a drop of 3.831 million barrels for the week ending January 2, while a rise of 1.1 million barrels was expected. This surprising decrease indicated stronger demand, helping to raise WTI prices. Additionally, the upcoming U.S. employment report for December looks important, with predictions of around 60,000 new jobs and the unemployment rate possibly falling to 4.5%.

Political Impacts On Oil Trade

President Donald Trump’s recent deal to import up to $2 billion of Venezuelan oil could limit WTI’s price gains. U.S. forces have recently removed Nicolas Maduro from power in Venezuela, affecting oil trade dynamics. WTI oil, known for its quality, experiences price changes due to various factors, including global economic growth and political events. Key factors like inventory levels and OPEC decisions heavily influence prices. Inventory data reveals shifts in supply and demand, while OPEC’s choices impact production levels. Prices are also affected by the U.S. Dollar’s value since oil is mainly traded in USD. The rise in WTI prices to nearly $56.30 reflects a significant decrease in U.S. crude stocks, signaling strong demand. Last year, the EIA reported a 3.831 million barrel drop for the first week of January 2025, far below the expected 1.1 million barrel increase. This unexpected inventory decline is why the market is strong now. However, potential new supply may hinder this upward momentum. A political shift in Venezuela in 2025 led to a deal to export oil to the U.S., which introduces uncertainty for the coming year. For context, Venezuelan production was just over 800,000 barrels per day in late 2025, far below its historical output, so any increase might push prices down.

Macroeconomic Influences On Oil Prices

We are also monitoring macroeconomic data and its effect on the dollar, which in turn impacts oil demand. The latest U.S. jobs report for December 2025 showed a stronger-than-expected gain of 216,000 jobs, with the unemployment rate steady at 3.7%. A strong labor market may keep the dollar robust, creating short-term challenges for crude prices. With strong immediate demand facing potential new supply and a strong dollar, we expect higher volatility. Traders in derivatives should consider strategies to profit from large price swings rather than betting on just one direction. Options strategies like long straddles or strangles could be beneficial in navigating this uncertainty in the upcoming weeks. Looking ahead, the actions of OPEC+ will be vital. The group’s recent choice in December 2025 to implement voluntary production cuts of 2.2 million barrels per day for the first quarter of 2026 is currently supporting the market. Traders should keep a close eye on how well these cuts are upheld and what OPEC signals at its next meeting regarding future production levels. Create your live VT Markets account and start trading now.

here to set up a live account on VT Markets now