Spot gold slipped after a data release, breaking below $4,070/oz and down 1.45% intraday.

Ukrainian President ZELENSKIY told a Kyiv press briefing on the 23rd that a three-way meeting between Ukraine, the US and Russia is expected before autumn. He said he received US proposals after phone calls with US presidential envoy Witkoff and Kushner, and that Washington will discuss those proposals with Russia.

At a routine July 23 briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said China is deeply concerned about escalation in the Gulf after reports the U.S. is deploying aircraft carriers and fighters to the region. Lin warned renewed hostilities would be contrary to any party’s interests, urged respect for regional states’ sovereignty and territorial integrity, and called on parties to remain calm, cease hostile actions, resume contact and dialogue, and pursue a political-diplomatic settlement to secure a comprehensive, lasting ceasefire as soon as possible. He did not say whether China is in contact with the parties.