Gold prices extended their decline on Tuesday, falling to their lowest level of the year as investors reacted to growing expectations that the U.S. Federal Reserve could raise interest rates again amid persistent inflationary pressures.
Spot gold dropped 1.3% to $3,965.51 per ounce by 21:47 ET (01:47 GMT), marking its weakest level since early November. Gold futures also declined 1.5% to $3,975.92 per ounce. The precious metal has now fallen 12.8% in June, putting it on track for its worst monthly performance since 2008 and a fourth consecutive month of losses.
The decline in gold prices was driven largely by a stronger U.S. dollar and increasing confidence that the Federal Reserve will deliver at least one more interest rate hike this year. During its June policy meeting, several Fed officials maintained a hawkish stance, reinforcing expectations that borrowing costs could remain elevated for longer.
Inflation concerns also continued to pressure bullion. Although energy prices eased following a U.S.-Iran peace agreement, investors remain cautious after renewed military tensions in the Middle East over the weekend. Meanwhile, artificial intelligence-related supply constraints have fueled fresh inflation worries.
Apple recently raised prices on several devices due to higher semiconductor costs, reflecting broader supply shortages caused by surging AI-related demand. Similar price increases by other electronics manufacturers have strengthened expectations that inflation could remain persistent.
Higher interest rates typically reduce the appeal of gold because the metal does not generate interest or yield, making it less attractive compared to income-producing assets.
Other precious metals also posted sharp losses. Spot silver fell 2% to $57.1090 per ounce, bringing its monthly decline to 24.2%. Spot platinum slipped 1.3% to $1,563.25 per ounce and was down nearly 19% for June.
With the Federal Reserve maintaining a hawkish outlook and inflation risks lingering, gold and other precious metals may continue to face downward pressure in the near term despite ongoing geopolitical uncertainty.


Dollar Near Multi-Month Lows as Treasury Buybacks Rattle Markets
UK Economy Shows Strength as Burnham Gets Early Boost
Gold Hits Three-Month High as Treasury Moves Fuel Rally
Asian Currencies Slip as Dollar Rebounds on Iran Sanctions
Peru Economy Grows 2.6% in Q2 as Private Investment Surges
ECB Rate Hike Bets Rise as Inflation Risks Persist
Norway Backs Barents Sea Oil and Gas Expansion
ING Says Yen Is 20% Undervalued Against Dollar
China opens new Arctic trade route – but obstacles will prevent its wider use
Canada Announces Dollar-for-Dollar Retaliation Against 50% U.S. Tariffs
US Dollar Heads for Worst Week Since July as Fiscal Concerns Mount
China EV Stocks Slide as Door Handle Recall Hits 4.3 Million Vehicles
U.S. Unleashes New Iran Sanctions, Targets Oil, Crypto and Trade Networks
RBA Debated Rate Hike as Inflation Risks Persist
Oil Prices Edge Higher as US-Iran Sanctions Fuel Supply Concerns
Unitree Shares Plunge 45% After Blockbuster IPO, Raising China Tech Bubble Fears
Europe EV Sales Surge as High Fuel Prices Drive Demand 



