Spot gold has just broken through the $4260.00/ounce mark, and is currently trading at $4259.48/ounce, down 0.10% on the day; COMEX gold futures are currently trading at $4297.30/ounce, down 2.06% on the day.

[IMF Urges Reserve Bank of Australia to Maintain Hawkish Stance, Warns of Upside Risks to Inflation and Calls for Productivity Reforms] 1. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) urged the Reserve Bank of Australia to maintain a hawkish policy stance and warned of upside risks to inflation. 2. The IMF noted that significant tax reforms could stimulate Australian economic growth and help improve its fiscal position. 3. The IMF also stated that Australia needs a more ambitious productivity reform plan.

[Citigroup Cuts Losses: Short USD/CAD Trade Ends Due to Misjudgment of Fed Stance] 1. Citigroup strategists stated in a research report on Wednesday that they had stopped losses and exited their short USD/CAD trade recommendation, as the Fed's stance appeared more hawkish than previously expected. 2. Strategists led by Daniel Tobon stated that the trade was initiated on September 2nd, based on the assessment that the Fed's hawkishness would not exceed market pricing, while the Bank of Canada's statements appeared more hawkish. However, this assessment was flawed; after Wednesday's meeting, market expectations for further rate hikes increased, pushing the dollar higher. 3. On September 2nd, the team shorted USD/CAD at 1.3854, with a target of 1.35 and a stop-loss at 1.3990. On Wednesday, USD/CAD surged nearly 0.5%, reaching a more than one-month high of 1.3994 during the session.

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) raised its benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points to 4.25%.

Spot platinum has just broken through the $1760.00/oz mark, last trading at $1760.30/oz, up 0.31% on the day; Nymex platinum futures main contract was last trading at $1761.2/oz, down 1.38% on the day.

[US House Passes Sanctions Bill Targeting Russia and Iran] On September 16th local time, it was learned that the US House of Representatives passed a sanctions bill targeting Russia and Iran and sent it to US President Trump for his signature. The bill, titled the "Lindsey Graham Sanctions Russia and Iran Act of 2026," had previously passed the Senate in August. It is understood that the bill primarily targets Russia's energy sector, aiming to reduce Russia's revenue from energy exports by taking measures against major buyers of Russian oil and natural gas. Furthermore, at Trump's request, the bill expands the authorization for sanctions against the sources of funding for Iran's weapons and energy sectors. (CCTV)