Gold Prices Slip as Stronger Dollar, Fed Rate Outlook Weigh on Bullion

Gold prices edged lower on Thursday as a stronger U.S. dollar and renewed geopolitical tensions in the Middle East weighed on investor sentiment. Rising concerns that higher energy prices could keep inflation elevated and interest rates higher for longer continued to pressure the precious metal.

Spot gold fell 0.2% to $4,070.81 per ounce, while U.S. gold futures slipped 0.1% to $4,079.47 an ounce. The decline marked the third consecutive session of losses for bullion after renewed U.S. military strikes on Iran fueled a sharp rally in oil prices and strengthened expectations that inflation may remain persistent.

The dollar also remained supported, hovering near 13-month highs reached in June, making gold more expensive for holders of other currencies. Analysts noted that any sustained increase in energy costs could reinforce expectations that the Federal Reserve will maintain restrictive monetary policy to contain inflation, limiting gold’s upside despite ongoing geopolitical uncertainty.

Market attention also centered on the minutes from the Federal Reserve’s June policy meeting. The report showed policymakers divided over whether additional interest rate hikes will be necessary this year. While opinions differed on future policy moves, officials broadly expressed concern that inflation remains stubbornly above the central bank’s 2% target.

The minutes suggested that persistent price pressures could justify tighter monetary policy later in the year if inflation fails to cool. Fed Chair Kevin Warsh recently reaffirmed the central bank’s commitment to restoring inflation to its target, reinforcing expectations that interest rates may stay elevated for an extended period.

The latest escalation in the Middle East followed renewed U.S. military action against Iran after President Donald Trump declared the ceasefire effectively over. The conflict has intensified concerns over disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, pushing oil prices higher and adding to inflation risks.

Other precious metals also traded mixed. Spot silver declined 0.5% to $58.0060 per ounce, while spot platinum gained 0.5% to $1,594.00 per ounce, reflecting broader caution across the precious metals market as investors assess the outlook for inflation, Federal Reserve policy, and geopolitical risks.