Gold steadies while Asian equities dip as investors brace for policy cues

Asian stocks fell marginally on Wednesday as investors awaited fresh central-bank guidance amid elevated geopolitical risk. Japan’s Nikkei declined 0.7%, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng dropped 0.5%. Gold hovered near $2,470 per ounce, reflecting cautious sentiment. Analysts cited a rotation toward defensive assets after mixed earnings and policy uncertainty in the US and Europe. Oil prices were steady at $64 a barrel, suggesting range-bound trading. Market strategists expect volatility to ease if major central banks signal longer rate pauses and economic data stay resilient through the quarter.