[MARKET ANALYSIS] Metals mostly firmer with newsflow light ahead of US PPI

• Spot gold trades within a narrow range after only modestly gaining on yesterday’s US-Iran saga, which ended in no deal, but talks are poised to continue next week. Nonetheless, sources suggested that internal deliberations within the Trump admin are said to be focused not on whether a strike would occur but, on its scope, and potential targets, while options under discussion include nuclear facilities, missile sites, state institutions and infrastructure, according to Israel Hayom citing US officials. Traders will be focused on any potential US military action this weekend in a bid to pressure Iran. Spot gold resides tight USD 5,167-5,200.64/oz range at the time of writing. Spot silver is firmer by some 1.5% intraday but contained to within Wednesday’s ranges.
• Base metals are firmer across the board despite the choppy risk tone in Asia but prices are underpinned by the softer USD. Some desks attribute the rise to the stalled US-Iran talks and strengthening demand signals from China. The upside also comes ahead of next week’s China “Two Sessions” where formal approval of the 15th Five-Year Plan and new stimulus measures for infrastructure and technology (AI, EVs, grid networks) are anticipated. 3M LME copper resides in a USD 13,243.73-13,508.13/t.

The metals market shows resilience, particularly with base metals gaining as a softer USD bolsters prices amid mixed risk sentiment. Spot gold remains relatively stable despite geopolitical uncertainties involving the US and Iran, while silver is also seeing modest upticks. Traders are positioning themselves ahead of next week's China 'Two Sessions', anticipating stimulus measures that could further enhance demand for industrial metals.