Gold Prices Edge Higher Amid Middle East Tensions and Ceasefire Uncertainty 
India-US Trade Talks Advance Toward $500 Billion Goal Amid Ongoing Negotiations 
New Zealand Economy Faces Short-Term Pressure but Recovery Remains on Track 
U.S. Stock Futures Edge Higher as Ceasefire Extension and Intel Earnings Lift Sentiment 
Indian Cotton Yarn Exports Surge as China Demand Rises Amid Global Supply Disruptions 
Oil Prices Rise as U.S.-Iran Tensions and Strait of Hormuz Disruptions Persist 
USDA Plans to Expand Farmer Surveys to Improve Crop Report Accuracy 
Paraguay Holds Interest Rate at 5.5% as Inflation Remains Stable Amid Global Uncertainty 
European Car Sales Surge in March as EV and Hybrid Demand Accelerates 
Japan Exports Surge for Seventh Month as AI Demand Offsets Middle East Trade Disruptions 
Indonesia Fiscal Deficit Outlook: Fitch Signals Flexibility Amid Middle East War Risks 
Dollar Gains as Middle East Tensions and Rising Oil Prices Support Safe-Haven Demand 
Nikkei Retreats After Brief 60,000 Break as Profit-Taking and Geopolitical Risks Weigh 
U.S. Stock Futures Rise as Trump Extends Iran Ceasefire, Easing Market Tensions 
US and EU Strengthen Critical Minerals Partnership to Reduce China Dependence 
Asian Stocks Surge to Record Highs as Wall Street Rally Offsets Oil Price Concerns 
U.S. Freezes Dollar Transfers to Iraq, Pressures Government Over Iran-Backed Militias 
Gold prices moved lower on Thursday as a stronger U.S. dollar and rising geopolitical uncertainty pressured the precious metals market. Investors closely monitored escalating tensions in the Middle East, particularly the ongoing standoff between the United States and Iran, which continues to cloud the outlook for global markets.
Spot gold declined by 1.1% to $4,690.23 per ounce, while gold futures dropped 1% to $4,706.31 per ounce during late morning trading. The decline highlights how sensitive gold prices are to currency movements, especially as the U.S. dollar gains strength. A stronger dollar typically makes gold more expensive for international buyers, reducing demand and weighing on prices.
Market sentiment remained cautious as uncertainty persists around potential U.S.-Iran negotiations. Although former President Donald Trump extended a ceasefire earlier this week, both Washington and Tehran appear unwilling to compromise. Iran has insisted that U.S. sanctions be lifted before talks resume, while the U.S. has demanded full access to the Strait of Hormuz. The continued blockade in this critical oil passage has intensified concerns over global energy supply disruptions.
Oil prices surged above $100 per barrel, fueling fears of an energy shock that could drive inflation higher. This scenario increases the likelihood of central banks maintaining or raising interest rates. Higher interest rates tend to reduce the appeal of non-yielding assets like gold, further contributing to its recent decline.
The U.S. dollar, often seen as a safe-haven asset, is on track for its first weekly gain this month as investors seek stability amid geopolitical risks. This shift has added additional downward pressure on gold and other precious metals.
Silver prices fell 3% to $75.37 per ounce, while platinum dropped 3.5% to $2,015.35 per ounce. Analysts note that silver has pulled back nearly 10% from recent highs, with technical indicators suggesting uncertainty in its short-term direction.
Overall, the outlook for gold prices remains closely tied to U.S. dollar strength, interest rate expectations, and ongoing geopolitical developments.
