Spot gold slipped below $4,350/oz, down 1.51% on the day.

China’s Foreign Ministry said on Aug. 18 it had noted reports the US embassy in the Philippines plans a Palawan-based center to help Filipino fishermen report illegal fishing and will closely monitor developments. Spokesman Lin Jian said China does not oppose routine US-Philippine cooperation but said such activity should promote mutual understanding and regional stability and must not target third parties or harm third-party interests.

Pakistan's KSE-100 index closed down 1.4% at 177,955.50 points.