International News 24 September 2025
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Gold Hits New All-Time High on Rate Cut Bets and Safe-Haven Demand
Gold surged nearly 2% to fresh record highs on frist week, fueled by growing expectations of further U.S. Federal Reserve rate cuts and continued demand for safe-haven assets amid geopolitical tensions. Spot gold closed up 1.7% at US$3,746.8 per ounce, while December futures gained 1.9% to US$3,775.1. Investors are closely watching upcoming speeches from Fed officials, including Chair Jerome Powell, as well as Friday’s U.S. core PCE inflation data for further policy signals. The Fed’s recent 25 bps cut—its first since December—along with comments from Governor Stephen Miran urging more aggressive easing, reinforced bullish momentum. Safe-haven flows were also supported by Russia’s battlefield advances in Ukraine and rising geopolitical risks. Central bank gold purchases rebounded to 63 tons in August, matching post-2022 averages, according to Société Générale, further underpinning sentiment. Other precious metals tracked gold’s rally, with silver jumping 2.1% to US$43.99, its highest in over 14 years, while platinum rose 1% and palladium climbed 3.3%. Analysts noted silver could have more upside as the gold-silver ratio remains elevated, suggesting room for catch-up relative to record-breaking gold.
India Plans Minority Stake Sales and Renewable IPO to Boost Divestment Revenue
The Indian government is preparing to sell minority stakes in around half a dozen state-owned enterprises (PSUs) as part of its divestment drive, according to Divestment Secretary Arunish Chawla. While he did not specify which companies, Reuters reported that five state-owned banks, including UCO Bank and Bank of Maharashtra, are under consideration. Additionally, the government is obligated to reduce its stake in the country’s largest insurer, Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC), to meet minimum public shareholding requirements. Chawla also confirmed plans for an initial public offering (IPO) of a PSU in the natural resources sector within the current fiscal year ending March 2026. Potential candidates include ONGC Green Energy and NHPC Renewable Energy, both exploring listings. Through these stake sales and the IPO, New Delhi targets raising ₹470 billion (about US$5.6 billion) in asset and equity sales. On top of that, dividend income from PSUs is projected to surpass estimates, with revenues expected to reach around ₹690 billion (US$7.8 billion), providing additional fiscal support.
https://internasional.kontan.co.id/news/india-akan-jual-minoritas-saham-di-sejumlah-bumn
Oil Prices Slip Amid Supply Concerns Despite Geopolitical Tensions
Crude oil prices ended slightly lower on first week as oversupply worries outweighed geopolitical risks in Russia and the Middle East. Brent crude for November delivery slipped 0.2% to US$66.57 per barrel, while U.S. WTI crude settled at US$62.64 for October and US$62.28 for November contracts. Traders pointed to rising exports from Iraq and Kuwait’s production boost to a 10-year high as adding to supply pressure, while looming OPEC+ output growth and refinery maintenance season also dampened near-term demand expectations. Geopolitical risks, including Western recognition of Palestine and Russian airspace incursions over Estonia, failed to spark supply disruptions. Analysts from SEB warned global oil demand is expected to ease from Q3 into early 2026, raising the risk of Brent dipping back into the US$50 range if China does not absorb the surplus. This comes after both Brent and WTI lost more than 1% the previous Friday, reflecting a market increasingly worried about oversupply and slowing demand despite The Fed’s rate cuts, which typically support energy consumption.