Asian markets edged higher on Thursday as investors weighed escalating tensions in the US-China trade war alongside expectations that the Federal Reserve will continue cutting interest rates this year.The region’s gains follow a broadly positive session on Wall Street and mark a second consecutive day of recovery, as traders focused on softer US economic data and central bank signals that may favour further monetary easing.

Trump reignites trade war fears

Markets have been volatile this week after US President Donald Trump threatened 100% tariffs on Chinese goods in retaliation for Beijing’s new rare-earth export controls.When asked about the possibility of a prolonged trade conflict, Trump bluntly told reporters, “Well, you’re in one now… We have a 100 percent tariff. If we didn’t have tariffs, we would be exposed as being a nothing.”Despite the hawkish tone, treasury secretary Scott Bessent suggested a more conciliatory approach, proposing a potential extension of the tariff truce if Beijing delays its rare-earth restrictions.Trump still plans to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in South Korea later this month.

Fed rate cut expectations support markets

Investors were also encouraged by data from the Fed’s “Beige Book” survey, which pointed to a softer US job market, echoing other recent weak economic indicators. Fed chair Jerome Powell had warned earlier this week that “the downside risks to employment appear to have risen,” reinforcing market bets on additional rate cuts.Economists, however, remain cautious. Bank of America noted that uncertainties persist over trade, inflation, growth, and US policy, including healthcare and drug pricing.

Safe-haven assets climb

The combination of trade war jitters, rate cut expectations, and a weaker dollar pushed gold to new daily records, reaching $4,234.70 on Thursday.

Key market figures

Markets in Sydney, Seoul, Wellington, Taipei, and Manila also posted gains as traders balanced geopolitical risks with hopes for accommodative US monetary policy.

Indian Railways is expected to roll out the Vande Bharat Sleeper for the public very soon. The Vande Bharat Sleeper is fitted with amenities that redefines the luxury of long distance travel for common people. While Indian Railways’ passengers eagerly await the Vande Bharat Sleeper launch, the public transporter has unveiled the prototype of the latest luxurious interior, which will replace the modern Vande Bharat Sleeper.

The upcoming Vande Bharat Sleeper trains will introduce redesigned upper berths aimed at making long-distance travel more comfortable and accessible for passengers of all age groups, a government official said on Wednesday. Nishank Garg, Director of the Vande Bharat Project at Kinet—the joint venture overseeing the trains’ development—told IANS that extensive passenger feedback guided the redesign process.

Delhi: At IREE 2025, Kinet, a Russian-Indian joint venture for electric trains, unveiled a full-scale mock-up of the Vande Bharat high-speed train sleeper coach, showcasing its first-class coach design concept for the first time pic.twitter.com/dPQX5VaFmu
— IANS (@ians_india) October 15, 2025

“Many passengers feel the upper berth is uncomfortable and difficult to reach. We took this feedback seriously while designing the new Vande Bharat Sleeper,” Garg said. He added that the ladder to the upper berth has been re-engineered for ease of use, making it more convenient and safer. “This feature will be included in the very first train, which we plan to deliver next year. Work is progressing rapidly,” he added.

Evgeny Maslov, Chief Designer of the project at Kinet, said the design represents a step forward in redefining comfort in Indian rail travel. “Our aim is to offer a next-level travel experience. Vande Bharat is a landmark initiative for India, and this is our vision for its future,” Maslov said.

Kinet Railway Solutions—a partnership between Russia’s Transmashholding, the country’s largest rolling stock manufacturer, and India’s Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL)—has been contracted to design and produce 1,920 sleeper coaches (120 trainsets) for the Vande Bharat project. The joint venture will also maintain the coaches for the next 35 years.

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted India’s progress in railway modernisation under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, noting that 35,000 kilometres of new track have been laid, 46,000 kilometres electrified, and 40,000 new coaches manufactured over the past 11 years.

He said the transformation reflects the government’s sustained focus on upgrading India’s railway infrastructure and passenger experience.

Gold and silver price prediction today: Both gold and silver prices are exhibiting strong bullish momentum and investors should look to buy on dips, says Abhilash Koikkara, Head – Forex & Commodities, Nuvama Professional Clients Group. He shares his views on gold and silver:

MCX Gold Outlook:

MCX Gold prices are currently trading around the ₹1,27,000 mark, reflecting strong bullish momentum. On the international front, COMEX gold is comfortably holding above the $4,000 level, further reinforcing the positive trend. This price behaviour indicates that gold is consistently forming higher lows, which is a classic sign of strength in technical analysis. The ability to protect previous support levels suggests that buyers are active at lower levels, absorbing selling pressure and preparing for potential upside moves.From a short-term trading perspective, gold prices have the potential to move towards the ₹1,30,000 level if the current momentum continues. Traders can consider accumulating positions near the ₹1,26,000 support zone, where buying interest has previously emerged. A strong support base is seen at ₹1,23,500, and any dip toward this level may offer a good risk-reward entry for bullish positions.Given the ongoing geopolitical tensions, inflationary concerns, and a weak global economic outlook, gold remains a preferred safe-haven asset. These factors are likely to keep demand strong and prices buoyant in the near term. As long as prices sustain above the key support levels, the outlook for gold remains optimistic with further upside potential.

MCX Gold Trading Strategy:

Buy on Dips near to 126000 for the above mentioned target

MCX Silver Outlook

MCX Silver has shown significant strength and has outperformed MCX Gold in recent sessions, currently trading around ₹1,60,000 levels. This rally reflects robust bullish sentiment driven by a combination of industrial demand, investment interest, and a positive technical setup. Silver’s strong price action suggests that market participants are confident in its upside potential, especially as it continues to make higher highs and higher lows, a clear sign of an ongoing uptrend.Compared to gold, silver tends to exhibit more volatility, which can offer attractive trading opportunities. Any corrective move or dip toward the ₹1,57,000 level can be seen as a buying opportunity, supported by strong demand and momentum. On the upside, prices have the potential to move toward ₹1,63,000 in the near term. Traders should maintain a stop-loss at ₹1,54,000 to manage risk effectively in case of unexpected price reversals.Silver’s dual role as both a precious and industrial metal makes it a favored asset in times of economic uncertainty, as well as during periods of industrial recovery. With favorable fundamentals and technical strength, silver remains well-positioned for further gains, and buying on dips strategy could prove rewarding in the current market environment.

MCX Silver Trading Strategy

Buy on Dips near to 157000 for the above mentioned target(Disclaimer: Recommendations and views on the stock market and other asset classes given by experts are their own. These opinions do not represent the views of The Times of India)