Gold prices fell alongside stocks as escalating US-China tensions soured market sentiment. The risk-off backdrop drove haven demand for the US Dollar, which undermined the appeal of anti-fiat alternatives epitomized by the yellow metal, driving it downward. Crude oil prices likewise fell as the defensive backdrop swept up the range of cycle-sensitive assets. The US was reported to be readying a federal contract ban on companies using Huawei technology, and also brought Magnitsky Act charges against several Chinese officials over alleged human rights abuses in Xinjiang province targeting the Uighur community. Reports ... (full story)