Metals

Gold slips on inflation concerns as high oil prices and stronger dollar weigh

In this article

Gold prices held steady on Wednesday, as investors eyed developments in the Middle East amid rising inflation fears and awaited upcoming US economic data.
Arko Datta | Reuters

Gold prices fell on Thursday, pressured ​by a stronger dollar ​and elevated oil prices ​that stoked inflation worries, as investors tried to assess the conflict direction from stalled U.S.-Iran talks.

Spot gold was down 0.6% at $4,706.49 per ounce. U.S. gold ⁠futures ‌for June delivery fell 0.6% to $4,727.

The dollar inched higher, ⁠making greenback-priced bullion more expensive for holders of other currencies, while benchmark 10-year U.S. Treasury yields rose to an over one-week high, raising the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding bullion.

"Gold continues to take its cues ‌from the oil market, with rising energy costs keeping the risk of near-term dollar strength and elevated inflation in focus," said Ole Hansen, head of ​commodity strategy at Saxo Bank.

Iran seized two ships in the Strait of Hormuz as it tightened its grip on the strategic waterway after U.S. President Donald Trump announced he was indefinitely calling off attacks, with no sign ⁠of peace talks restarting.

Iranian officials did not say they had agreed to any extension of ‌the truce, accusing Washington of violating it by maintaining a ‌blockade on Iranian trade by sea.

Brent crude oil prices rose above $100 a barrel on the stalled peace talks and as both nations maintained their restrictions on the flow of trade ⁠through the strait.

Higher crude oil prices can add to inflationary pressures, increasing the ⁠likelihood that interest rates remain elevated. While gold is often seen ⁠as an inflation hedge, higher rates dampen bullion's appeal as it offers no yield.

Meanwhile, a Reuters poll of economists showed the U.S. Federal ​Reserve will likely wait at least ‌six months before cutting interest rates this year as war-driven energy shocks reignite already-elevated inflation.

"The current consolidation appears more a pause driven by rate uncertainty than a structural shift, and we maintain the view that gold is likely to reach a fresh record high later this year ​or in early 2027," Hansen added.

Choose CNBC as your preferred source on Google and never miss a moment from the most trusted name in business news.