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Gold prices edged higher on Monday, recovering from a more than two-week low amid lingering uncertainty over the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

At 04:55 ET (08:55 GMT), spot gold was up 0.4% at $3,348.30 per ounce, while October gold futures rose 0.3% to $3,393.97 per ounce. The precious metal had fallen last week following a meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss a potential peace deal in Ukraine.

Trump Meets Zelensky, European Leaders

Friday’s meeting between Trump and Putin failed to yield a ceasefire, shifting attention to a Monday gathering at the White House with Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and leading European officials.

Reports suggest Trump may press Ukraine to cede some territory to Russia to facilitate a peace deal—a stance Kiev has consistently rejected. Trump has also indicated that Ukraine would need to relinquish Crimea and pause NATO accession aspirations to reach an agreement with Russia.

Markets are approaching the meeting with caution, supporting demand for safe-haven assets like gold, even as broader risk appetite shows tentative improvement. A prior White House meeting between Trump and Zelensky in February ended without results following a tense exchange between the leaders.

UBS Raises Gold Forecasts

UBS has raised its long-term real gold price forecast from $2,200 to $2,800 per ounce, implying nominal prices around $3,100 by 2030, adjusted for inflation. Short- and medium-term projections remain unchanged, though the bank expects gold to reach new highs in upcoming quarters before moderating toward the end of next year or early 2027.

“Prices should ease thereafter, but the correction is unlikely to be steep enough to bring gold back to previous cycle lows,” said strategists led by Joni Teves. “Instead, we see a scenario where, after a period of moderation and stabilization, gold settles at significantly higher levels than in previous cycles.”

The revision reflects “structurally higher production costs” and limited expected growth in mining supply, as producers prioritize organic expansion, regional consolidation, and portfolio adjustments over large-scale mergers. UBS also highlighted gold’s “expanding investor base” and its strategic role amid global political and trade shifts, elevated macro risks, and persistent geopolitical tensions.

“In a world of shifting trade and political dynamics, high macroeconomic risks, and ongoing geopolitical tensions, diversification is more important than ever,” they added. “We think gold presents investors with one of the cleanest ways to hedge against these risks.”

All Eyes on Jackson Hole

Focus now turns to Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell’s speech at the Jackson Hole symposium, expected to provide guidance on the central bank’s rate strategy. CME FedWatch on Monday showed more than an 83% probability of a 25-basis-point rate cut in September, slightly lower than near certainty seen last week.

Expectations for rate cuts were tempered by higher-than-expected producer inflation, raising concerns about the impact of Trump’s tariffs. Despite this, the U.S. dollar remained range-bound Monday after last week’s losses.

Mixed Moves in Other Metals

Other precious metals traded mixed, with platinum futures down 0.2% at $1,343.00 per ounce, while silver rose 0.4% to $38.133 per ounce.

Industrial metals saw declines as well, with London Metal Exchange copper futures falling 0.3% to $9,750.53 per ton and COMEX copper futures down 0.3% at $4.4790 per pound. Copper retreated late last week after weaker-than-expected Chinese industrial production and fixed-asset investment data, fueling concerns about demand in the world’s largest importer.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or other professional advice. It should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any securities or financial instruments. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. You should conduct your own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

The U.S. dollar edged higher on Monday as markets braced for a week dominated by diplomatic efforts to resolve the Ukraine conflict and the Federal Reserve’s closely watched Jackson Hole symposium.

At 03:00 ET (08:00 GMT), the Dollar Index, which tracks the greenback against six major currencies, rose 0.2% to 97.890, rebounding from a 0.4% decline last week.

Zelensky Travels to Washington

Following last week’s meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, which failed to produce a ceasefire in Ukraine, attention now turns to Washington. There, Trump will meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, joined by several European leaders. Zelensky may face pressure to accept a settlement that could favor Russia, including relinquishing part of the eastern Donetsk region.

Ukraine has previously dismissed any proposals to cede territory. Trump said on Sunday that Zelensky could end the war with Russia “almost immediately” by agreeing to Moscow’s demands.

“Ukraine and Europe have made security guarantees (including those from the U.S.) central to any path toward peace. Any further clarification of this situation today could be welcomed by markets, even though the issue of territory seems intractable,” noted analysts at ING.

Focus Shifts to Jackson Hole

Later in the week, markets will look to the Federal Reserve’s Jackson Hole symposium, where Chairman Jerome Powell is scheduled to speak on the economic outlook and policy framework on Friday.

“It may be too early for Powell to all but confirm a Fed rate cut in September,” ING said. “Yet when the facts of a ’solid’ labor market change, Powell will have to acknowledge it.”

Markets currently price in roughly an 85% probability of a 25-basis-point rate cut next month, meaning Powell would need to adopt a very hawkish stance to alter expectations significantly.

“With risk assets supported and energy prices soft, we expect the dollar to remain under mild pressure as dollar-based investors continue deploying capital,” ING added.

European Currencies Trade in Narrow Ranges

In Europe, EUR/USD fell 0.2% to 1.1671, trading in a narrow band ahead of the meeting of European leaders in Washington to discuss a peace deal for Ukraine. Key European data on Monday includes eurozone trade figures for June, with the week’s highlight being August flash PMIs on Thursday.

“EUR/USD should remain mildly supported in the 1.1650-1.1750 range early in the week but could test 1.1830 if Powell delivers a sufficiently dovish message on Friday,” ING analysts said.

GBP/USD slipped 0.1% to 1.3540 after rising roughly 0.8% last week.

“This reflects credible hawkish signals from the Bank of England, which now has the market pricing just 50 basis points of additional easing. By comparison, the Fed is expected to ease roughly 125 basis points through 2026,” ING added.

“This dynamic should keep GBP/USD supported this week, where a break above 1.3585/3600 could see levels reach 1.3680/3700 by week’s end.”

Quiet Trading in Asia

In Asia, USD/JPY inched higher to 147.22 after data on Friday showed stronger-than-expected Q2 growth in Japan. USD/CNY edged down to 7.1803, trading in a narrow range after July industrial production and retail sales fell short of expectations, prompting renewed calls for government stimulus. AUD/USD gained 0.1% to 0.6516.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or other professional advice. It should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any securities or financial instruments. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. You should conduct your own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

Cranswick Plc (LSE:CWK) saw its stock drop over 2% on Monday following fresh allegations of animal mistreatment at one of its facilities.

The U.K.-based food producer described itself as “horrified” by undercover footage depicting pig abuse at its Somerby Top farm, noting that the recordings were made several months ago but only recently came to light.

Earlier in May, similar videos emerged from the company’s North Moor Farm site, which Cranswick said were also “historic.”

The company confirmed that staff implicated in the incidents have since departed and that management adjustments have been implemented at North Moor. In addition, the group has updated its euthanasia policies, banning the use of manual blunt force trauma—commonly referred to as “piglet thumping”—and has begun deploying AI-driven CCTV across its farms to monitor operations.

“While this news is clearly disappointing, CWK does not believe the footage is reflective of current farm standards, and has already taken meaningful steps to ensure this does not repeat,” noted analysts at Jefferies in a client briefing.

The brokerage added: “We note that both farms involved were acquired in 2023, and there have already been mgmt changes at the former.”

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or other professional advice. It should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any securities or financial instruments. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. You should conduct your own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

Tesla Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA) is offering substantial discounts of up to 40% to UK car leasing companies in an effort to boost slowing sales, The Times reported Monday. The electric vehicle giant, led by Elon Musk, has been struggling with a shrinking global market share.

According to The Times, which cited industry insiders, the price reductions—reflected in lower monthly payments for customers—are also motivated by limited storage capacity for Tesla vehicles.

Under the new scheme, a Tesla Model 3, the company’s best-selling model, can now be leased for as little as £252 per month plus VAT on a 36-month contract. By comparison, monthly payments for the same car were as high as £600–£700 just a year ago.

Although Tesla has not cut the sticker prices of its vehicles, it is promoting zero-interest financing deals for buyers. In the UK, such deals could cost Tesla roughly £6,000 over three years on a £40,000 car.

The aggressive discounts come as Tesla navigates a prolonged slowdown in global sales. Much of the decline has occurred in the UK and Europe, where the company faces growing competition from Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers.

European sales have also been hit by public backlash against Musk’s political associations, particularly his links to the alt-right, with some Tesla facilities targeted and sales boycotts reported across the region throughout 2025.

In the UK, Tesla’s sales fell by 60% in July, while China’s BYD Co (USOTC:BYDDY) surpassed the automaker in market share.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or other professional advice. It should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any securities or financial instruments. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. You should conduct your own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

European equities were mostly lower on Monday as investors awaited a high-stakes meeting in Washington between European leaders and U.S. President Donald Trump to discuss Ukraine’s future.

By 07:10 GMT, Germany’s DAX index had fallen 0.3%, France’s CAC 40 slipped 0.2%, while the U.K.’s FTSE 100 edged up 0.1%.

European Leaders Travel to Washington

Following last Friday’s Alaska summit between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, which ended without a ceasefire in Ukraine, attention now turns to a gathering in Washington. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders are expected to discuss potential pathways to a peace deal.

Reports indicate Zelensky may face pressure to accept a settlement that could involve Ukraine giving up portions of its eastern regions, including Donetsk and Luhansk, while Russia withdraws from southern areas such as Kherson and Zaporizhzhia. Ukraine has consistently rejected any proposal to cede territory.

Trump commented on Sunday that Zelensky could end the war with Russia “almost immediately” if he agreed to Moscow’s demands.

The conflict, which has lasted more than three years, has disrupted global supply chains, driven commodity prices higher, and slowed worldwide economic growth.

Jackson Hole Symposium in Focus

On the economic front, Europe will see June trade data released on Monday, while the U.S. market is looking ahead to the Federal Reserve’s Jackson Hole symposium. Fed Chair Jerome Powell will address the economic outlook and policy framework on Friday, joined by ECB President Christine Lagarde and Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey in panel discussions.

Markets are currently pricing in about an 85% chance of a Fed rate cut in September, meaning any less dovish tone from Powell could weigh on investor sentiment.

U.S. Retail Earnings in Spotlight

Although European markets see little corporate earnings activity on Monday, attention will shift to the U.S. retail sector this week, with Home Depot (NYSE:HD), Target (NYSE:TGT), Lowe’s (NYSE:LOW), and Walmart (NYSE:WMT) all scheduled to report. Analysts point to a solid earnings season, with Goldman Sachs noting that S&P 500 EPS rose 11% year-on-year and 58% of companies boosted their full-year guidance.

Oil Prices Stabilize After Trump-Putin Meeting

Oil markets steadied Monday following last week’s declines, as concerns over Russian supply eased after the Trump-Putin summit. By 03:10 ET, Brent crude rose 0.1% to $65.87 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) futures climbed 0.2% to $62.09 per barrel. Both benchmarks had dropped nearly 1.5% on Friday, ending the week with notable losses ahead of the summit.

After meeting with Putin, Trump opted not to apply additional pressure on Russia to end the conflict through measures targeting its oil exports.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or other professional advice. It should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any securities or financial instruments. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. You should conduct your own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

Oil prices remained steady in Asian markets on Monday following last week’s losses, as worries about Russian crude supply eased after the meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

As of 00:15 ET (04:15 GMT), Brent crude for October delivery was nearly flat at $65.84 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) futures inched up 0.1% to $62.87 per barrel. Both contracts had dropped around 1.5% on Friday, finishing the week with notable losses ahead of the U.S.-Russia summit.

Trump Signals Softer Stance Toward Russia

At last week’s Alaska summit, Trump indicated alignment with Moscow’s goal of a comprehensive peace agreement in Ukraine, rather than prioritizing a ceasefire first. This shift lowered expectations for new energy sanctions and reduced fears of tighter Russian oil flows.

Previously, Trump had called a ceasefire his “key demand,” even threatening to walk out of the talks and impose tougher measures on Moscow—a stance that had raised concerns over constrained supply.

“While talks failed to secure a ceasefire, the tone and the absence of ’severe consequences’ for the lack of a truce, reduce, or at least delay, the risks of stricter sanctions,” ING analysts noted in a statement.

Trump also said on Friday that he was in no hurry to levy tariffs on countries such as China for buying Russian oil but warned he could act within weeks if progress on ending the Ukraine conflict is not made. China and India remain Russia’s top crude buyers. Meanwhile, Trump has imposed an additional 25% duty on Indian goods, effective August 27, citing the country’s Russian oil imports.

Trump to Meet Zelenskiy and European Leaders

On Monday, Trump is scheduled to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and leading European leaders in Washington, aiming to fast-track a peace deal for Ukraine. European leaders are focused on blocking any agreements that could compromise Ukraine’s territorial integrity, adding geopolitical uncertainty for markets.

Trump posted on social media Sunday that he expects “BIG PROGRESS ON RUSSIA,” without elaborating further.

“Ultimately, Russia still wants Ukraine to cede territory, something Ukraine will be very hesitant to do, particularly without very strong security guarantees from the US and Europe,” ING analysts said.

“Ultimately, the reduced risk of tougher sanctions and secondary tariffs should allow bearish oil fundamentals to become the dominant driver for oil prices moving forward,” they added.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or other professional advice. It should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any securities or financial instruments. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. You should conduct your own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

U.S. stock futures were largely flat ahead of a key Washington meeting between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Investors are also closely watching the Federal Reserve’s interest rate path, with July meeting minutes and a speech by Fed Chair Jerome Powell scheduled later this week. Meanwhile, cybersecurity firm Palo Alto Networks (NASDAQ:PANW) is set to release earnings after the market closes.

Futures Show Little Movement

On Monday, U.S. futures were steady as traders prepared for potential Fed rate developments and monitored the upcoming U.S.-Ukraine summit. As of 3:23 a.m. ET (07:23 GMT), Dow futures were down 97 points (-0.2%), S&P 500 futures fell 7 points (-0.1%), and Nasdaq 100 futures were essentially unchanged.

Last Friday, major indexes ended the session mixed. The Dow Jones Industrial Average hit a new intraday high, joining the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite, which had set record highs during the week. However, the S&P 500 and Nasdaq closed lower, dragged down by losses in the technology, financial, industrial, and utilities sectors.

Fed Minutes and Powell Speech in Focus

Attention now shifts to the release of July Fed meeting minutes, where the central bank held rates steady at 4.25%–4.5%. The decision saw a rare dissent from two officials. Fed governors Christopher Waller and Michelle Bowman both argued for a rate cut, citing the need to support a slowing labor market.

Recent data paints a mixed picture: U.S. job growth was much weaker than expected, with downward revisions for May and June, while retail sales surged following an unexpected rise in producer prices. These indicators suggest a cooling labor market alongside moderate inflationary pressures, partly linked to tariffs.

Trump’s actions have added uncertainty, raising doubts about the reliability of government data. Some analysts expect increased attention to private sector figures. Trump fired the head of the federal statistics agency, claiming—without evidence—that recent downward revisions to the jobs report were politically motivated. He subsequently appointed the Heritage Foundation’s chief economist to lead the agency.

Powell is expected to address these issues in his Friday speech at the annual Jackson Hole symposium in Wyoming. Traditionally cautious, Powell’s comments will be closely watched by markets that are anticipating a possible rate cut in September.

Zelensky Meets Trump

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will meet Trump in Washington on Monday to discuss a potential path toward peace. Concerns remain that Trump could pressure Zelensky into an agreement favorable to Russia. Zelensky has already rejected proposals from Putin presented in Anchorage, which included ceding part of the eastern Donetsk region.

Zelensky, accompanied by leaders from several European nations, said he supports a “swift and reliable end” to the conflict, but emphasized that Russia must be willing to end the war “that it started.” Trump stated on Truth Social: “Zelensky can ‘end the war with Russia almost immediately, if he wants, or he can continue fighting.’”

“[T]he situation in Ukraine appears to be entering a very fluid state, and there may be further developments in the days, weeks, and months ahead,” analysts at Vital Knowledge noted. They added that, from a market perspective, the Trump-Putin discussions in Anchorage did not yield major outcomes such as a full ceasefire or “draconian secondary tariffs on China.”

Palo Alto Networks Earnings

Cybersecurity firm Palo Alto Networks is set to report results for the July quarter after the market closes. Analysts expect adjusted Q4 EPS of $0.89 on $2.5 billion in revenue, according to Bloomberg.

This will be the first report following the $25 billion acquisition of CyberArk Software, the largest in the company’s history. CEO Nikesh Arora views the deal as a way to capitalize on AI-driven demand for digital security solutions, though analysts caution about integrating a platform of CyberArk’s size. Over the past two years, Palo Alto has completed at least seven acquisitions.

Gold Gains

Gold prices rose during European trading on Monday, rebounding from a more-than-two-week low, supported by safe-haven demand amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Anticipation of the Jackson Hole symposium also helped gold and weakened the dollar, as markets priced in potential Fed rate cuts.

Spot gold rose 0.6% to $3,355.47 an ounce, while October futures climbed 0.5% to $3,400.55/oz as of 3:22 a.m. ET. Last week, gold had fallen to a more-than-two-week low.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or other professional advice. It should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any securities or financial instruments. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. You should conduct your own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

Pantheon Resources (LSE:PANR) has reported that its Dubhe-1 appraisal well on Alaska’s North Slope has outperformed pre-drill expectations. The well confirmed a substantial hydrocarbon column in the primary SMD-B target and revealed additional resources in secondary zones. This success enhances the company’s operational outlook and underscores potential co-development opportunities within the Ahpun field, supporting Pantheon’s progression toward field development planning and cost-efficient commercial production.

Despite operational achievements, Pantheon faces financial challenges, with negative profitability and cash flow weighing on valuation. Nevertheless, recent corporate milestones and strategic initiatives provide potential upside, offering cautious optimism for the company’s near-term prospects.

About Pantheon Resources

Pantheon Resources plc is an AIM-listed oil and gas company developing its fully owned Ahpun and Kodiak fields on Alaska’s North Slope. The company holds independently certified contingent recoverable resources of approximately 1.6 billion barrels of ANS crude and 6.6 trillion cubic feet of associated natural gas. By leveraging its proximity to existing infrastructure, Pantheon aims to accelerate development timelines, reduce costs, and achieve sustainable market recognition of $5–$10 per barrel of recoverable resources by 2028.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or other professional advice. It should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any securities or financial instruments. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. You should conduct your own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

MicroSalt plc (LSE:SALT) has reported record first-half sales of $0.9 million in its B2B bulk segment, reflecting a 72% increase compared with the prior half-year. The company projects further growth, driven by higher volume orders from a major North American client, which could result in total sales surpassing $5 million in 2026. Regulatory delays affecting food colorings have tempered 2025 sales expectations to $2 million, but MicroSalt remains confident in its growth trajectory, supported by a strong sales pipeline and ongoing market expansion.

Financially, MicroSalt faces significant challenges, including negative equity, lack of profitability, and a weak valuation. Technical indicators signal bearish momentum, with the stock currently oversold. While recent corporate developments are positive, they are tempered by these financial and market headwinds.

About MicroSalt plc

MicroSalt plc is an innovative food manufacturing company specializing in a patented, full-flavour, low-sodium salt product. Containing roughly 50% less sodium than conventional salt, it addresses rising demand for healthier alternatives and helps combat cardiovascular health risks. Established in 2018, the company holds a US patent and has 14 additional patent applications globally, positioning itself as a potential disruptor in the reduced-sodium market.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or other professional advice. It should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any securities or financial instruments. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. You should conduct your own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.