Shares mixed, gold retreats as investors take profits

Global financial markets were mixed on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, with investors taking profits amid stretched valuations and growing geopolitical uncertainty. Shares in Asia and Europe saw varied performances, while gold retraced sharply after soaring over 50% this year. Geopolitical concerns intensified as a planned summit between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin was delayed, and ambiguity remained around a meeting with Xi Jinping. Meanwhile, in Japan the Bank of Japan trimmed its yield-curve guidance, and oil prices rose over 1.5% amid supply concerns. Markets now await upcoming central-bank meetings for direction.