Gold breaks through the new threshold of $4,600 amid global registration events; today's employment data shows a decline.

Today, the global financial markets are shaken by complex and diverse events. Meanwhile, the price of white gold surged past $4,600, reaching an all-time high.

Gold expands on waves of anxiety from geopolitical conflicts

The upward movement of gold prices in the Asian morning market signals that investors are fleeing into safe assets. This is driven not only by interest rate factors but also by tensions from various angles in this century.

CNN recently reported that President Donald Trump has decided to consider military actions against Iran following the peak of protests. At the same time, the United Kingdom and Germany announced increased military signals in Greenland to demonstrate that Europe will not tolerate hostility. The world’s conflict-filled situation has become a magnet for gold to rise.

U.S. Federal Reserve stability in doubt, Powell under investigation

The overall market outlook has worsened as Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell signaled that he and the central bank are facing criminal investigations from the Department of Justice regarding the management of the mortgage office budget.

Most analysts see this as potentially a political distraction between Trump and Powell. Trump wants Powell to step down and be replaced by someone supportive of his own policies on interest rates. Powell responded sharply via video, stating that this is an attempt to intimidate and interfere with the independence of the central banking institution.

This situation has raised concerns among investors worldwide, as U.S. monetary policy may shift from purely economic factors to being driven by political demands.

Job numbers exhausted, confirming a mild recession in the U.S. economy

The U.S. economy signals a clear slowdown, with December’s NFP data showing only 50,000 new jobs added, below the forecast of 60,000.

Meanwhile, new housing starts remain sluggish, reflecting the real estate sector’s stress due to high interest rates. The only bright spot is the consumer confidence index, which rose to 54, the highest in several months.

This “weak economy, persistent inflation” scenario suggests that gold has decoupled from interest rates. Whether rates are cut or not, gold prices are ready to surge due to the shocks of economic recession risks.

Thai stocks during the crisis: defensive mechanisms are good hospital stocks and dividend stocks

For Thai investors affected by global market news, it is recommended to stop worrying about short-term capital flows.

Since the Thai economy still needs to adjust with low growth rates, speculative trading in large-cap manufacturing stocks may not be worth the risk. The most effective strategy is to seek “solid blue-chip stocks,” especially hospital groups that generate steady income from medical tourism, and high-dividend stocks with strong cash flow, serving as a shield for your portfolio until Tuesday, when the U.S. CPI figures will be released, which will again determine the global stock market direction.