All posts by Neel Achary

Gold Near Highs as Geopolitical Tensions and Weak US Data Sustain Safe-Haven Demand

Market comments on behalf of Van Ha Trinh, Financial Markets Strategist at Exness

Gold remained close to a one-week high on Tuesday, as persistent geopolitical tensions continued to underpin safe-haven demand. The metal’s rebound was triggered by the geopolitical developments in Latin America over the weekend. Concerns about potential escalations could support the metal. Elsewhere, geopolitical risks remain firmly in focus. Tensions in Eastern Europe continue, clouding prospects for a near-term ceasefire, while the security situation in the Middle East remains fragile, sustaining gold’s appeal.

On the macro side, bullion also drew support from weaker US data. The latest ISM Manufacturing PMI fell unexpectedly to its lowest level since October 2024, highlighting ongoing risks in the industrial sector and a soft employment component. Investors are now looking ahead to key US labour market releases, particularly Friday’s jobs report, with any further signs of weakness likely to reinforce expectations of a more dovish Federal Reserve stance in 2026, which would remain supportive for gold.

Silver Extends Gains on Geopolitical Tensions and Supply Strain

Today’s market analysis on behalf of Bas Kooijman, the CEO and Asset Manager of DHF Capital S.A

Silver extended its rebound for a third consecutive session on Tuesday, supported by escalating geopolitical risks and persistent supply deficits. Developments in Latin America injected fresh geopolitical uncertainty into the market. Comments from President Trump also affected sentiment and could amplify safe-haven flows into precious metals. Meanwhile, tensions remain elevated across Eastern Europe and the Middle East, reinforcing silver’s defensive appeal.

Beyond geopolitics, silver’s bullish momentum is underpinned by economic factors. Weaker-than-expected US manufacturing data and dovish expectations regarding the Federal Reserve could fuel the focus on policy easing in 2026. Although the Fed is expected to hold rates steady later this month, forecasts continue to point to two rate cuts this year.

The bullish outlook is further enhanced as global inventories continue to tighten. Stocks in Shanghai Futures Exchange warehouses have fallen to decade lows. At the same time, the silver market could remain in a deficit, which could continue to drive prices up.

Dollar Volatile On Geopolitical Jitters and Weak Manufacturing Data

Today’s markets analysis on behalf of Frank Walbaum Market Analyst at Naga

The US dollar recorded some volatility on Tuesday as investors weighed lingering geopolitical tensions alongside a fresh round of disappointing US economic data. Markets could remain cautious regarding any potential geopolitical developments, which could eventually fuel more volatility for the dollar.

On the macro front, US data reinforced concerns about slowing economic momentum. The ISM Manufacturing PMI fell to 47.9 in December, marking a third consecutive month of deterioration and its lowest level since October 2024. The reading came in below expectations for a modest improvement and highlighted a faster pace of contraction in manufacturing activity, driven mainly by declines in production and inventories. While the employment component improved, it continued to signal a cooling labour market.

Upcoming US data releases this week could remain in focus, including the JOLTS job openings report, the ISM Services PMI, and Friday’s nonfarm payrolls. A continuation of soft data would likely reinforce expectations of a more dovish Federal Reserve stance in 2026, with markets currently pricing in two rate cuts by the end of the year. With both geopolitical uncertainty and domestic growth concerns in play, the markets could experience heightened volatility into the coming sessions as incoming data could further shape the policy outlook.

Does gold (XAUUSD) maintain its positive momentum amid dollar pressure and anticipation of the jobs report?

Written by: Rania Gule, Senior Market Analyst at XS.com – MENA

Recent movements in the gold market near $4,472 indicate that the yellow metal is entering a delicate phase, combining strong support from fundamental factors with heightened sensitivity to upcoming economic data—most notably the U.S. Non-Farm Payrolls report. In my view, gold’s ability to trade near a one-week high is not merely a temporary or technical move, but rather a reflection of deeper concerns and uncertainty dominating the global economic and geopolitical landscape—an environment that has historically been favorable for higher gold prices.

I believe the current positive momentum in gold is primarily driven by escalating geopolitical risks on multiple fronts simultaneously, a factor markets cannot ignore. U.S. military threats toward Venezuela, warnings directed at several Latin American countries, open political tensions between Saudi Arabia and the UAE, and the ongoing Russia–Ukraine war with no clear resolution all contribute to sustained demand for safe-haven assets. In my opinion, when such crises accumulate at the same time, investors tend to reduce exposure to high-risk assets and seek value-preserving instruments, with gold remaining at the forefront of these choices.

At the same time, gold’s strong performance cannot be separated from developments in U.S. monetary policy. Growing market expectations of a more dovish Federal Reserve represent a key pillar supporting the ongoing uptrend. Expectations for two additional interest rate cuts this year reflect increasing conviction that the U.S. economy, despite showing some resilience, still requires monetary support. As long as these expectations persist, I believe gold will remain a primary beneficiary, given that it is a non-yielding asset typically pressured by higher interest rates.

Recent weakness in the U.S. dollar further reinforces this outlook. The dollar’s retreat from multi-week highs is not merely a technical correction, but a direct result of shifting investor expectations regarding the future path of monetary policy. Mixed U.S. PMI data support this scenario, with S&P Global PMI signaling continued expansion, while the ISM manufacturing index confirms that the sector remains in contraction. In my view, this divergence places the Federal Reserve in a cautious position, discouraging further tightening—thereby weighing on the dollar and supporting gold simultaneously.

Another factor I consider influential, albeit not yet fully priced into the market, is the ongoing debate surrounding the Federal Reserve’s independence under the current U.S. administration. Any doubts regarding central bank independence introduce monetary uncertainty, prompting investors to hedge through gold. Historically, increased political pressure on monetary policymakers has enhanced gold’s appeal as a hedge against declining confidence in economic governance.

That said, the current phase is not without risks for gold buyers, particularly in the short term. The upcoming U.S. Non-Farm Payrolls report represents a critical test for the prevailing trend. Should the data come in stronger than expected and signal robust labor market conditions, we may see a temporary rebound in the dollar accompanied by corrective pressure on gold. In my assessment, such a scenario would not alter the broader bullish trend, but could generate sharp volatility and repositioning opportunities for investors.

Conversely, if the jobs data meets expectations or comes in weaker, this would reinforce bets on a March rate cut and push gold toward testing higher levels in the coming weeks. I believe the market has become highly sensitive to any signals confirming a slowdown in the U.S. economy, with gold standing to benefit first from any shift in sentiment.

Based on all these factors, I maintain a cautiously optimistic outlook for gold prices in the near term. The current environment—marked by rising geopolitical risks, accommodative monetary policy expectations, and sustained pressure on the dollar—forms a supportive backdrop for continued upside. Nevertheless, investors must closely monitor economic data and remain mindful of potential corrections, as gold, despite its strength, remains vulnerable to sharp volatility during key data-driven periods. In my view, any pullback is likely to present a buying opportunity as long as the underlying fundamental drivers behind this rally remain intact.

How India Ubered in 2025 – Everyday travel, extraordinary scale

Chandigarh, Jan 06: At the outset of the new year, Uber India has released highlights from its annual data report, How India Ubered, outlining key trends from how Indians travelled during 2025.

The comprehensive data analysis reveals interesting insights, including cities with the highest Uber usage, total distance covered by Uber rides, intercity travel trends, late-night travel patterns, and evolving rider preferences across the country. The report underscores the growing role of ridesharing in India’s mobility ecosystem and Uber’s continued commitment to making everyday movement more reliable, accessible, and sustainable.

In 2025, Indians Ubered more than ever before, building on last year’s momentum and setting fresh benchmarks for mobility. Collectively, Uber trips spanned over 11.6 billion kilometers during the year, marking a 26.5 percent increase compared to 2024. To put this into perspective, that’s over 3.2million trips from Srinagar to Kanyakumari in the year, or 8,840 times every single day.

Riders across India continued to be rated highly by drivers, reflecting courteous and dependable rider behaviour nationwide. Kochi once again stood out, recording the highest average rider rating at 4.91 out of 5. An impressive 98.3 percent of trips in Kochi were rated a full five stars by drivers. Thiruvananthapuram followed closely with an average rating of 4.87, while Pune and Chandigarh also featured among cities with the most highly rated riders.

Below is an overview of insights from How India Ubered in 2025:

• Most Uber trips were booked at 6:00 PM
• Friday continued to be the most popular day of the week for booking an Uber
• November emerged as the most popular month of the year
• December 12, 2025 saw the highest number of trips booked on a single day
• For Uber Rentals, the most popular package booked was 2 hours
• Mumbai, followed by Kolkata saw the highest proportion of late-night trips
• Mumbai, Guwahati, and Chennai led in weekend travel as a share of total trips
• Bhubaneswar and Thiruvananthapuram recorded the highest share of office-hour trips (as a percentage of total trips booked)
• Agra, Mysore, Puri, and Lonavala emerged as the most frequented tourist destinations via Uber Intercity

Uber’s mass and premium mobility offerings continued to see strong adoption during the year. Indians travelled 365 million kilometers in Uber EVs in 2025, spending a total of 54 million hours in electric vehicles, reinforcing the shift towards greener mobility choices.

Uber Black recorded over 34 million kilometers of travel during the year, reflecting growing demand for premium ride options. Uber Black is available across Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore, with airport and work travel being two of the top use cases for the product.

Uber Courier continued to play a key role in everyday logistics, with deliveries peaking between 1 PM and 3 PM. Around 3 million users tried Uber Courier for the first time during 2025, and one user alone completed as many as 5,218 deliveries over the year.

Uber Shuttle also saw strong traction, with nearly 800,000 first-time users experiencing app-based bus travel.

India’s Uber 5

(Top 5 cities in India with the highest number of Uber rides in 2025, in no set order)

• Delhi NCR
• Hyderabad
• Bangalore
• Mumbai
• Pune

Fastest Cities in India (Avg speed):

(The top 5 cities in India in terms of the fastest average speeds clocked on the roads, in descending order)

 Bhubaneswar

1. Thiruvananthapuram
2. Jaipur
3. Ahmedabad
4. Chandigarh

India’s Top Intercity Routes
(India’s top 5 intercity routes in 2025, in descending order) 

1. Mumbai – Pune
2. Delhi – Agra
3. Bangalore – Mysore
4. Lucknow – Kanpur
5. Ahmedabad – Vadodara

Top 5 Longest Trips
(Top 5 longest Intercity trips by kilometers traveled, including round trips on Intercity)

1. Gurgaon – Ahmedabad – Gurgaon (1,827 km)
2. Delhi – Ahmedabad – Delhi (1,647 km)
3. Kharagpur – Pune (1,620 km)
4. Delhi – Srinagar – Delhi (1,616 km)
5. Delhi – Prayagraj – Delhi (1,611 km)

Weekend Getaways to Celebrate New Year in Style

December has a way of slowing time down. The air turns crisp, lights soften every view, and suddenly the idea of a long airport queue feels unnecessary. What works better this season are short drives, unhurried check-ins, and spaces that feel warm the moment you step in.

If you’re planning to ring in the New Year without the chaos, start with one simple question: What does your ideal winter weekend actually look like? Quiet views, indulgent food, spa time, a bit of movement, or all of it?

Here’s a list of destinations that can help you celebrate New Year in style!

Jaypee Residency Manor, Mussoorie

– For those who want winter to feel slow, scenic, and personal

Before you book, ask yourself:

• Do you want to wake up to misty mornings and wide Himalayan views?
• Does a fireplace-and-hot-chocolate kind of evening sound better than loud parties?
• Would you enjoy gentle winter hikes, local market strolls, and coming back to warmth?
• Is food part of how you unwind, especially comforting Garhwali flavours alongside familiar classics?
• Are you craving a year-end pause, with spa therapies that help you switch off fully?

If you found yourself nodding more than once, this hilltop retreat fits the brief. Perched above the Doon Valley, Jaypee Residency Manor feels removed from the rush without feeling remote. It works just as well for couples planning a quiet New Year as it does for families looking to slow down together.

Your New Year vibe here- Late breakfasts, long views, calm evenings, and a sense that the year is ending gently rather than loudly.

Jaypee Greens Golf & Spa Resort, Greater Noida

-For those who want indulgence without leaving the city bubble

Run through this quick checklist:

• Do you like the idea of a resort escape without a long drive?
• Does waking up to manicured greens instantly put you at ease?
• Is a food-led weekend part of your celebration plan, with options to switch moods every meal?
• Do you prefer a New Year break that balances activity and downtime?
• Is spa time non-negotiable when you’re resetting for the year ahead?

If this sounds like your kind of weekend, Jaypee Greens Golf & Spa Resort delivers on scale and ease. From its golf course views and multiple dining spaces to the expansive Tamaya Spa, the experience is designed so you don’t have to choose between doing something and doing nothing.

Your New Year vibe here- Leisurely mornings, good food decisions, spa afternoons, and celebrating without leaving comfort behind.

Two Chefs, One Winter Classic: Timeless Plum Cake Recipes from Jaypee Kitchens

Few winter traditions feel as comforting and familiar as the aroma of a plum cake slowly baking in the oven. It’s that warm, spiced, and quietly indulgent scent signals the season has arrived. Across homes and hotel kitchens alike, plum cake remains a ritual rather than just a recipe, carrying memories of shared tables, long conversations, and celebrations that stretch well beyond the day itself.

What makes this cake so enduring is its balance is the rich butter, dark sugar, dried fruits softened with time and patience, and a careful touch of spice ties everything together. A good plum cake rewards preparation, whether it’s soaking fruits weeks in advance or allowing the cake to mature after baking, deepening in flavour with every passing day. This sense of time and intention is what turns a simple bake into a festive centrepiece.

In this listicle, two accomplished chefs from the Jaypee group bring their personal interpretations of the classic winter plum cake. Chef Ajay Kumar from Jaypee Vasant Continental presents a traditional, celebration-ready version, generous with soaked fruits and dark rum, designed for large gatherings and professional kitchens. His approach focuses on structure, richness, and consistency, delivering a cake that feels indulgent yet refined.

Complementing this is Chef Ashu Chugh’s take from Jaypee Greens Golf & Spa Resort, Greater Noida. His recipe leans into layered flavours with citrus zest, caramel syrup, and a carefully chosen spice mix. It’s a version that invites patience, encouraging longer fruit-soaking time and slower baking to achieve depth and balance.

Together, these recipes show how a single festive staple can take on distinct personalities, guided by technique, experience, and personal style. Whether you prefer a classic hotel-style plum cake or one with nuanced notes of citrus and spice, these chef-led recipes offer a reliable starting point for your winter baking ritual.

Classic Plum Cake Recipe- By Chef Ajay Kumar from Jaypee Vasant continental

A rich, moist, and festive plum cake loaded with soaked winter fruits and infused with dark rum—perfect for celebrations and special occasions.

Ingredients

• Butter –                                  1 kg (softened, unsalted)
• Breakfast Sugar –                  800 g
• Farm Fresh Eggs –                  20 nos
• Refined Flour (Maida) –        800 g
• Winter Mixed Fruits –           2 kg
• Vegetable Oil –                      100 ml
• Dark Rum –                            300 ml
• Baking Powder –                   12 g

Method of Preparation

1. Creaming the Butter & Sugar
   Add butter and breakfast sugar to a planetary mixer.
   Cream together on medium speed for 10–15 minutes until the mixture becomes light, soft, and airy.
2. Adding the Eggs
   Gradually add eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
   This helps maintain a smooth and stable batter.
3. Incorporating Dry Ingredients
   Sift refined flour and baking powder together.
   Add the dry ingredients to the batter and mix gently on low speed until just combined.
4. Adding Fruits & Rum
   Fold in the mixed fruits evenly.
   Pour in the dark rum and mix lightly to distribute the flavor throughout the batter.
5. Finishing Touch
   Drizzle vegetable oil over the batter and mix for 1 more minute to achieve a moist and rich texture.
6. Portioning
   Remove the batter from the mixer and portion as required into prepared baking tins.

Baking Instructions

• Oven Temperature: 180°C
• Baking Time: 30 minutes
  (Time may vary depending on portion size and oven type)

Allow the cake to cool completely before demoulding.

Chef’s Note

For best results, soak the fruits in dark rum for 24–48 hours before use.
This enhances flavor, aroma, and shelf life, making the cake richer with time.

Plum Cake- By Chef Ashu chugh from Jaypee Greens Golf and Spa Resort, Greater Noida

Ingredients

Presoak The Fruits (ideally 1Month- 15 days):

• 300gm mixed dried fruits (e.g., black raisins, golden raisins, dates, prunes, candied orange peel, cranberries), finely chopped
• 100gm chopped nuts (e.g., cashews, almonds, walnuts)
• 100ml liquid (Dark rum, brandy) for soaking
• 100ml Orange juice

• For the Batter:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup dark brown sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla essence
• 1 tbsp orange zest
• 1 ½ tsp spice powder mix (cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, ginger)
• ¼ cup caramel syrup

Instructions

 Baking the Cake

1. Preheat oven to 160°C (325°F) and grease an 8 or 9-inch round cake pan. Line the bottom and sides with parchment paper.
2. Sift all the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spice mix) into a mixing bowl and set aside. Meanwhile drain the soaked fruits, reserving any leftover liquid. Toss the fruits with 1-2 tablespoons of the sifted flour mixture to prevent them from sinking during baking.
3. Put the butter, brown sugar in a large bowl, whisk well until the mixture is light and creamy. Then add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, orange zest, and caramel syrup.
4. Gently fold the remaining dry ingredient mixture into the wet batter in two or three batches using a spatula. Do not overmix. Fold in the flour-coated dry fruits and nuts to combine well.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared tin and level the top with a spatula.
6. Bake for 60-80 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.
7. Cool the cake in the pan on a wire rack completely before unmolding. Store the cooled cake wrapped in parchment paper and foil in an airtight container for best results.