Gold Steady, Platinum Hits Decade High Amid Fed Tensions and Weak Dollar

Gold prices held steady in Asian trading on Thursday, supported by a weakening U.S. dollar after President Donald Trump criticized Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell and reiterated his call for interest rate cuts. Spot gold remained flat at $3,336.65 per ounce, while August gold futures edged up 0.1% to $3,347.45.

Earlier in the week, bullion declined after Trump brokered a ceasefire between Israel and Iran, easing geopolitical tensions and reducing safe-haven demand. The truce, which appeared to hold, also pulled down oil prices and global risk premiums, limiting gold’s upside despite dollar weakness.

The U.S. Dollar Index slipped 0.3% in Asian hours, boosting broader metal markets as commodities became more affordable for overseas buyers. Trump’s continued criticism of Powell, whom he called “terrible,” and the revelation that he is considering replacements—including Kevin Warsh and Christopher Waller—raised concerns over the Fed’s independence. This uncertainty offered some support to gold as a hedge against political instability and policy shifts.

Meanwhile, platinum prices surged to their highest level since 2014. Platinum futures rose 1.6% to $1,372.60, gaining nearly 30% in June alone. The rally is driven by robust industrial demand, shrinking inventories, and tight supply conditions, reinforced by a bullish sector report in May.

Silver futures also advanced, rising 0.7% to $36.355 per ounce, while copper saw modest gains. London copper futures rose 0.5% to $9,770.35 per ton, and U.S. copper futures climbed 0.3% to $4.94 per pound. Markets were additionally buoyed by China’s pledge to introduce new stimulus measures to boost domestic consumption, lifting demand expectations across metals.

Gold and metals markets now await further clarity from the Fed and global developments.