Gold soars to new highs of $4,600 amid global turmoil. The US economy is shaken as Fed drama escalates.

This week, the financial markets are filled with information that will surely make investors sweat. The chaos is not only caused by the economy but also by politics and geopolitics that are dominating market thoughts.

Gold XAUUSD hits a new high, revealing fears that the world cannot hide

This morning in Asia, gold prices (XAUUSD) surged to an all-time high of $4,600. The reason for this increase is not just the falling interest rates but also deeper driving forces—fear of flying combat aircraft.

CNN reports that Donald Trump is considering military actions against Iran amid regional tensions. Europe is not standing still; the UK and Germany are preparing to send troops to Greenland to send a signal of strength. These conflicts are spreading worldwide, coupled with the extradition of former President Nicolas Maduro, causing investors to seek “safe havens,” with gold being the first choice.

Power struggle within the Fed causes investor anxiety; the financial system is changing

A turning point for investors: Jerome Powell, the Fed Chair, confirmed that he and his committee are under criminal investigation by the Department of Justice regarding the use of funds to improve the Federal Reserve. But everyone can see clearly—this is an attempt by Trump to interfere, trying to push him out of office so that more obedient individuals can take control of interest rate policies.

Powell responded confidently via a video, stating that this is an attempt to intimidate and interfere with the independence of the central bank. These signals make global investors nervous because it means U.S. monetary policy may no longer be based on economic fundamentals but on political demands.

NFP employment figures shattered; houses not selling, but hope remains

The U.S. economy is signaling clear signs of slowdown. Non-farm employment data (NFP) for December increased by only 50,000 jobs, below the forecast of 60,000. Meanwhile, housing starts continue to decline, reflecting that the real estate sector is still affected by high interest rates.

But not everything is dark. Consumer confidence index rose to 54 over the past few months. This scenario creates an image of an economy in “imbalance.” Inflation persists, but employment figures are slipping. Analysts believe that XAUUSD has decided that “it’s no longer about interest rates.” Gold is rising due to increasing economic risks, regardless of whether the Fed cuts rates quickly or slowly.

Thai stock market waits for wisdom during the global crisis; turning to pharmaceutical and dividend stocks

For the Thai stock market, external news is testing investors’ focus. Short-term capital flow decisions may lead to losses. Thai economic statistics indicate that speculation in large-cap manufacturing stocks may not be the ultimate solution.

The best strategy now is to find “safe stocks,” especially hospital groups with steady income from medical tourism, and high-dividend stocks with strong cash flow. Building a portfolio like this is a hedge while the market waits for the US CPI data to be released this Tuesday. It will be a double-edged sword, once again determining the direction of the global capital markets.