KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 30 April 2025 – Gold has kept on rising almost uninterruptedly for most of 2025, recording a series of new all-time highs. Since October 2022, the metal’s price has almost doubled, having risen by more than 25% in 2025 alone, hitting a fresh all-time high of $3,500 per ounce on April 22. A $4,000 price level, once dismissed as fantasy, is now openly being discussed on trading floors across the globe. Octa Broker examines the forces behind gold’s remarkable rally — and what might come next.

Geopolitical Tensions as the Main Catalyst

The global environment in 2025 is anything but peaceful. The wars in the Middle East and Eastern Europe remain, and their long-term resolution still seems to be out of reach. The U.S.–China relations have taken a sharp downward turn. The latest installment of hostilities is being acted out in tariffs: the Trump administration has resumed a trade war footing, with China retaliating by raising tariffs on U.S. goods to 125% from 84%. Recently, the USA admitted that the tariffs for China could be increased up to 245%. This intensifying global uncertainty has propelled investors toward safe-haven assets, and none are more tried-and-tested than gold. As global trade frays and economic growth outlooks dim, gold’s role as a hedge becomes more pronounced.

Monetary Policy Expectations and Rate Cut Bets

Historically, gold tends to perform better when the interest rates are low. The current U.S. monetary policy outlook suggests a favourable environment for the precious metal. In response to weakening economic signals, the Federal Reserve (Fed) is widely expected to cut interest rates at least twice in 2025. The latest Labour Department data revealed a surprise drop in U.S. consumer prices in March, bolstering expectations of a looser policy stance by mid-year. Market participants now factor in a roughly 30% chance of a full percentage point cut by December.

However, with inflation potentially resurging due to tariffs, the Fed could be forced to reverse course. Such a move might derail gold’s momentum. Still, for now, lower rates make non-yielding assets like gold more attractive, creating the potential for further price gains.

Weak Dollar Boosts Gold’s Appeal

The U.S. dollar index recently recorded its sharpest decline since 2022, hitting new yearly lows. As Kar Yong Ang, a financial market analyst at Octa Broker, explains: ‘A weaker greenback typically supports gold by making it more affordable for holders of other currencies. This trend, together with the increasing uncertainty, has encouraged strong demand, further fuelling the rally’. Indeed, the increasing demand has been evident since the beginning of the year. In the middle of April, gold fund net inflows hit a record $80 billion year-to-date, according to BofA Global Research.

Central Bank Buying and De-Dollarisation

Another bullish factor for gold is the rise in structural physical demand — especially, when it comes to global central banks that increase their gold reserves at an aggressive pace. People’s Bank of China raised its gold holdings to a record level in Q1 2025, underscoring the metal’s strategic importance. This structural demand aligns with the broader BRICS-led push for de-dollarisation. Diversifying away from U.S. Treasuries and the dollar, several countries are turning to gold as a reliable store of value — bolstering long-term demand fundamentals.

ETF Flows Reflect Retail and Institutional Demand

The growing optimism among investors regarding gold is also evident in exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Gold-backed ETFs experienced significant inflows in March 2025, particularly in North America. These flows indicate robust interest from both retail investors and institutional players, further tightening the market.

Key Risks to the $4,000 Scenario

Despite the underlying bullish environment, gold may fall short of the $4,000 target and, instead, experience a significant downward correction due to several factors:

• Inflation Surprise and Rate Reversal. If tariffs and supply disruptions reignite inflation, central banks may be forced to abandon dovish policies. A Fed reversal to a tightening bias could strengthen the dollar and exert a downward pressure on gold prices — potentially disrupting the bullish narrative.
• Geopolitical Stabilisation. A de-escalation of global tensions, particularly between the U.S. and China or in Eastern Europe, could sharply reduce safe-haven demand. While this is not the base case for 2025, it remains a wildcard risk that traders must consider. Indeed, XAUUSD has already pulled back from its recent highs after the U.S. President Donald Trump hinted at lower tariffs for China.
• Overbought Technical Conditions. Gold’s sharp rally raises the likelihood of corrective pullbacks. If momentum slows, profit-taking could spark a swift and dramatic sell-off. As with any parabolic move, volatility is inevitable: the price tends to experience short-term downtrends before new all-time-highs (ATH). Traders with short-term strategies should beware of such price drops and practice risk management: avoid large trading sums, apply stop-loss positions, and diversify their portfolio.

$4,000: Between Fantasy and Forecast

A convergence of macroeconomic, structural, and technical factors is pushing gold into uncharted territory. With macroeconomic uncertainty, rate cut expectations, geopolitical tensions, and central bank demand all aligned in support, the $4,000 level is no longer just a theoretical ceiling — it is a plausible next target. Still, the path is unlikely to be smooth. Corrections, sentiment shifts, and external shocks may temper the pace of the rally. However, for long-term holders, the thesis remains compelling.

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Disclaimer: This content is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice, a recommendation, or an offer to engage in any investment activity. It does not take into account your investment objectives, financial situation, or individual needs. Any action you take based on this content is at your sole discretion and risk. Octa and its affiliates accept no liability for any losses or consequences resulting from reliance on this material.
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Octa

Octa is an international CFD broker that has been providing online trading services worldwide since 2011. It offers commission-free access to financial markets and various services used by clients from 180 countries who have opened more than 52 million trading accounts. To help its clients reach their investment goals, Octa offers free educational webinars, articles, and analytical tools.

The company is involved in a comprehensive network of charitable and humanitarian initiatives, including the improvement of educational infrastructure and short-notice relief projects supporting local communities.

In Southeast Asia, Octa received the ‘Best Trading Platform Malaysia 2024’ and the ‘Most Reliable Broker Asia 2023’ awards from Brands and Business Magazine and International Global Forex Awards, respectively.

Why Owning Microsoft 365 Isn’t Enough Anymore — Oryon Academy Teaches Businesses to Master It

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 30 April 2025 – Oryon.net, the largest Singapore web hosting provider and a leading Microsoft Solutions Partner, is proud to announce the launch of Oryon Academy — a dedicated learning platform designed to help Microsoft 365 Business customers unlock the full potential of their digital tools.​

With over 25 years of experience supporting SMEs, government agencies, and enterprises, Oryon.net has long been recognized for its outstanding 24/7 support, seamless onboarding, and competitive pricing. The introduction of Oryon Academy marks a significant step forward in empowering clients to maximize their Microsoft 365 investment through structured, hands-on training.

“Our mission has always been to simplify technology for businesses,” said Ryan Chua, Managing Director at Oryon.net. “With Oryon Academy, we’re taking that commitment further — equipping our clients with the knowledge and confidence to leverage Microsoft 365 and Office 365 ‘s capabilities fully.”​

Oryon Academy complements Oryon.net ‘s comprehensive Microsoft 365 offerings, which include free email migration, remote desktop assistance, and a price-match guarantee. As a Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA) Cyber Essentials Certified provider, Oryon.net ensures that clients receive secure, reliable, and cost-effective solutions.​
Hashtag: #oryonnetworks #microsoft365

https://oryon.net/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/oryon-networks-pte-ltd/
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The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Oryon Networks Pte Ltd

At Oryon.net, we specialize in delivering top-tier Microsoft 365 and Microsoft Office 365 solutions to businesses of all sizes. As a trusted Microsoft Solutions Partner in Singapore, we offer a comprehensive range of Microsoft 365 subscription and Office 365 subscription plans tailored to your unique business needs. Our portfolio includes Microsoft 365 Business Basic, Microsoft 365 Business Standard, and Microsoft 365 Business Premium — ensuring every customer has the right tools for growth, collaboration, and productivity.

We understand that choosing the right Microsoft 365 plan can be overwhelming. That’s why Oryon.net is committed to helping businesses navigate Microsoft 365 Business options easily. Our competitive Microsoft 365 price packages are designed to deliver maximum value without compromising on quality.

In addition to core services, we provide expert guidance on essential applications like Outlook 365 — helping businesses seamlessly manage communication and scheduling — and the full suite of Microsoft Office 365 tools that power everyday operations.

With over 25 years of experience serving SMEs, enterprises, and government agencies, Oryon.net has earned a reputation for reliable support, seamless onboarding, and a customer-first approach. Whether you’re upgrading your existing 365 setup or starting fresh, trust Oryon.net to simplify and enhance your Microsoft 365 journey.

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 30 April 2025 – The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) continues to attract top talent from Vietnam, as demonstrated by Ryan Le Minh Khue, a Year 3 student in the Integrated Bachelor of Business Administration (IBBAC) Programme. Coming from the prestigious Nguyen Hue High School for the Gifted in Hanoi, Ryan represents a growing trend of Vietnamese students choosing Hong Kong for their tertiary education. His decision to study at CUHK was influenced by the university’s strong academic reputation and the generous scholarship opportunities offered by the government, university, and departments.

Academic Excellence and Flexibility

“When I was exploring my options, CUHK’s IBBAC programme stood out because of its flexible structure with nine concentrations,” says Ryan. “This allowed me to explore different business fields before specialising, which was exactly what I needed.” The programme’s comprehensive curriculum has enabled Ryan to discover his interests while building a strong foundation in business studies. The well-designed curriculum balances theoretical knowledge with practical applications, preparing students for real-world challenges in the business sector.

Leadership and Professional Development

Beyond academics, Ryan has embraced campus life through various leadership roles. As a Student Ambassador, he actively promotes CUHK to prospective Vietnamese students and shares his experiences with the growing Vietnamese community. His involvement as Master of Ceremonies at Vietnam Consulate General events has enhanced his public speaking skills and cultural engagement. Through CUHK’s corporate connections, Ryan has secured valuable internships at KPMG Vietnam and Guotai Junan Securities Corporation, gaining first-hand experience in the finance industry and building a strong professional network.

Growing Vietnamese Community

The number of Vietnamese students at CUHK has grown significantly, from just two students from Ryan’s high school to approximately twenty today. “CUHK offers premium education quality in a supportive environment,” Ryan explains. “The well-designed curriculum, combined with Hong Kong’s position as a global financial hub and its proximity to Vietnam, makes it an increasingly attractive choice for Vietnamese students.” The university’s green campus environment and strong support system have helped international students adapt seamlessly to life in Hong Kong.

Future Aspirations

Ryan plans to pursue a master’s degree in Finance at CUHK after graduation, building upon the strong foundation he has established. His journey highlights CUHK’s commitment to nurturing international talent and preparing students for successful global careers through academic excellence and practical industry exposure. As an emerging leader in his field, Ryan’s success story serves as an inspiration for future Vietnamese students considering CUHK as their destination for higher education.

Hashtag: #CUHK

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About CUHK

Founded in 1963, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) stands as a leading comprehensive research university, consistently ranked among Asia’s top educational institutions.

New data shows sharp contraction in loan sizes, rising business cessations, and shifting lender dynamics as SMEs struggle with tighter financing conditions.

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 30 April 2025 – Singapore’s SMEs battled tighter financing conditions in 2024, with average borrowing costs rising to 8.47% per annum — the highest in recent years, even as loan sizes shrank and access to larger financing amounts dried up, according to Linkflow Capital’s latest SME Financing Accessibility Survey.

Drawing on data from over 2,216 unique users on its SME loan comparison platform, Linkflow Capital’s research reveals a stark financing environment for SMEs:

The survey also captured shifts among lenders. While local banks maintained the largest share (59%) of loan origination within Linkflow Capital’s platform, foreign banks have significantly increased their share to 26% (up from 19%). Digital banks saw their loan share decrease more than half to 8% of loan originations (down from 17% in 2023).

Beyond higher costs, SMEs encountered tighter credit access, particularly for substantial funding needs. Linkflow Capital’s data showed a sharp decline in approvals for loans above S$300,000. These larger brackets constituted only 3% of approved loans in 2024, down from 10% in 2023.

Notably, approvals for loans exceeding S$500,000 ceased entirely in the surveyed data for 2024.

“SMEs were caught in a difficult bind in 2024 – needing capital to navigate rising operational costs but facing the highest borrowing rates we’ve seen in years and finding it much harder to secure larger loan amounts required for expansion,” said Benjamin Teo, spokesperson for Linkflow Capital. “This reflects increased lender caution driven by higher SME debt servicing ratios and the unwinding of earlier government support schemes.”

Outlook: Early signs of stabilization, but risks remain
Looking ahead, early signs of rate relief are emerging. The 3-month SORA benchmark has fallen from 3.03% in January to 2.55% by April 2025. However, business lending rates are expected to adjust slowly and partially, with any reductions possibly materializing only from Q3 2025 onwards.

Policy support remains critical
The permanent raising of the SME Working Capital Loan cap to $500,000, announced in Budget 2024, provides a key buffer. Nevertheless, cashflow pressures are intensifying:

Teo concludes:
“Given Singapore’s heavy trade exposure, with trade volumes three times GDP, SMEs remain vulnerable to external shocks like the US-China trade war. Pre-emptive financing planning and maintaining liquidity buffers will be crucial to navigating the uncertain quarters ahead.”

The full survey detailed findings and charts are available at: https://smeloan.sg/blog/2024-sme-finance-accessibility-survey/

Hashtag: #Linkflow

https://smeloan.sg/
https://sg.linkedin.com/company/linkflow-capital-pte-ltd

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About Linkflow Capital

Founded in 2012, Linkflow Capital is a leading SME loan consultancy in Singapore. Through its loan comparison portal and advisory services, Linkflow Capital assists SMEs in navigating the financing landscape and securing funding solutions from an extensive network of banks and financial institutions.