Escalating tensions in the Middle East cast a shadow as the anticipated visit of the U.S. President to Israel looms on Wednesday. Against this backdrop, gold and oil prices rallied amid stalled ceasefire efforts in Gaza. Meanwhile, U.S. equity markets adopted a cautious stance, influenced by economic data reinforcing expectations of a prolonged period of higher interest rates, with a potential rate hike anticipated in December. In a parallel development, Japan’s long-term bond yields surged to levels unseen since 2013, edging closer to the yield curve control (YCC) ceiling. Market watchers are on alert for potential ... (full story)