Markets

Gold largely steady as markets await signals from Middle East, Trump-Xi meeting

Gold rose on Thursday as the widening Middle East conflict drove investors towards the safe-haven asset, while a softer dollar also lent support to prices.Photographer: Damian Lemanski/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Bloomberg | Bloomberg | Getty Images

Gold prices held largely steady on Thursday, ​as investors focused on ​the latest developments ​in the Middle East and the U.S. President's meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Spot gold was down 0.1% at $4,680.26 an ounce. U.S. ⁠gold ‌futures for June delivery fell 0.4% to $4,686.20.

The U.S. ⁠dollar was up 0.3%, making greenback-priced bullion more expensive for holders of other currencies.

Oil prices slipped after Iran's state media said about 30 vessels had crossed the Strait of Hormuz ‌even as there were reports of attacks in the area.

"There is risk of a significant downturn (in gold) if this Middle East conflict ​isn't resolved," said Bart Melek, global head of commodity strategy at TD Securities.

Prospects of U.S. rate cuts have largely faded, according to CME ‌Group's FedWatch tool, amid a sharp energy-driven rise ‌in April U.S. producer and consumer prices.

While gold is considered a hedge against inflation, higher interest rates tend to weigh on the non-yielding metal.

"Gold lacks firm direction ⁠as markets weigh lingering geopolitical uncertainty, the economic fallout from the Middle East conflict ⁠and hopes that the Trump-Xi meeting could help broker ⁠a resolution," Nikos Tzabouras, senior market analyst at Tradu.com, said in a note.

Meanwhile, Xi told Trump that trade talks were ​making progress on Thursday, but said disagreement ‌over Taiwan could upend relations. The U.S. summary of the talks, however, made no mention of Taiwan.

Spot silver fell ​3.6% to $84.84 per ounce, platinum lost 3.1% ‌to $2,071.53, and palladium was down 3.5% at $1,447.52.

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