Asian Stocks Rally as AI Boom and Iran Ceasefire Progress Lift Market Sentiment 
Gold Prices Hold Near Record Levels as Inflation Concerns Offset Middle East Ceasefire Hopes 
U.S. Sanctions Iran’s Strait of Hormuz Authority as Global Oil Markets Face Turmoil 
Dow Hits Record High as Healthcare and Consumer Stocks Lead Wall Street Rally 
Oil Prices Fall as Markets Await U.S.-Iran Peace Deal Decision 
Oil Prices Set for Sharp Weekly Losses as U.S.-Iran Ceasefire Hopes Ease Supply Concerns 
Asian Markets Slide as New U.S. Strikes on Iran Spark Investor Caution 
Dollar Gains Slightly as U.S.-Iran Tensions Keep Forex Markets on Edge 
Iran-U.S. Nuclear Talks Remain Unresolved as Strait of Hormuz Risks Keep Markets on Edge 
Wall Street Hits New Highs as U.S.-Iran Ceasefire Talks Boost Market Sentiment 
Gold Prices Slip as Stronger Dollar and Iran Peace Talk Uncertainty Weigh on Market 
New World Screwworm Found Near U.S. Border Raises Threat to Cattle Industry and Beef Prices 
Nikkei Hits Record High as AI Chip Stocks Power Japan Market Rally 
US Imposes Fresh Iran Oil Sanctions Despite Progress on Ceasefire Talks 
ECB’s Philip Lane Warns Middle East Conflict Could Keep Inflation Elevated 
Gold prices saw a modest increase on Friday, supported by a weaker U.S. dollar and renewed geopolitical developments involving the United States and Iran. Despite this slight rebound, the precious metal remains on track for a weekly decline as rising oil prices fuel concerns about inflation and prolonged high interest rates.
Spot gold rose by 0.3% to close at $4,710.57 per ounce, while gold futures settled slightly higher at $4,725.40 per ounce. The uptick in gold prices was largely driven by a softer dollar, which typically enhances the appeal of dollar-denominated commodities like gold for international investors. As the greenback weakened, market participants shifted toward riskier assets such as equities, reducing demand for the dollar’s safe-haven status.
Investor sentiment improved after signals emerged that the U.S. and Iran are preparing for a second round of diplomatic talks. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed plans to visit key regional partners, including Pakistan, Oman, and Russia, to discuss bilateral and regional developments. Meanwhile, the White House announced that U.S. officials, including Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, will travel to Pakistan for further negotiations. These developments boosted optimism in financial markets, contributing to the dollar’s decline and supporting gold prices.
However, gold’s overall performance this week has been weighed down by a sharp increase in oil prices. Benchmark crude contracts recorded their strongest weekly gains since early March, driven by escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and ongoing disputes between the U.S. and Iran. Higher oil prices have intensified fears of an inflationary surge, prompting expectations that central banks may maintain or even raise interest rates.
Since gold does not yield interest, it often underperforms in high-rate environments. Analysts warn that persistent geopolitical uncertainty and rising inflation pressures could continue to limit gold’s upside in the near term, keeping investors cautious despite short-term gains.
