Asian Currencies Slip as Stronger US Dollar, Iran Tensions Pressure Regional FX 
Japan Wholesale Inflation Jumps as Energy Shock Drives Import Costs Higher 
US Launches New Iran Strikes as Strait of Hormuz Conflict Escalates, Oil Prices Rise 
US Stock Futures Steady as US-Iran Tensions and Fed Inflation Concerns Weigh on Markets 
Oil and LNG Tankers Turn Back as Strait of Hormuz Security Risks Escalate 
Gold Prices Slip as Stronger Dollar, Fed Rate Outlook Weigh on Bullion 
European Regulators Clash With U.S. Treasury Over Private Credit Transparency 
Dollar Slips After Fed Minutes as Iran Tensions, Inflation Risks Keep Markets Cautious 
Iran Targets U.S. Bases in Bahrain, Kuwait as Hormuz Conflict Escalates and Oil Prices Jump 
Gold Price Rebounds as U.S.-Iran Tensions and Fed Minutes Keep Markets on Edge 
Chinese Chip Stocks Jump as Apple Reportedly Tests CXMT Memory Chips for China Devices 
Asian Stocks Rise as AI Chip Rally Offsets Middle East Tensions 
Fed Chair Kevin Warsh Launches Task Forces to Overhaul U.S. Monetary Policy Framework 
Venezuela Earthquake Death Toll Climbs to 3,811 as Government Seeks Sanctions Relief 
Japan Regional Bank Stocks Drop After Zentoshin Bankruptcy Sparks Credit Risk Concerns 
Cuba Power Outage Sparks Havana Protests as Fuel Crisis Deepens 
Gold prices traded little changed on Friday but remained on track for a weekly decline as escalating military tensions between the United States and Iran boosted inflation concerns and strengthened expectations that the Federal Reserve could keep interest rates higher for longer.
Spot gold held near $4,125.03 per ounce, while U.S. gold futures slipped 0.1% to $4,135.67 per ounce. Despite Friday's stability, spot gold was down about 1.6% for the week as investors reassessed the outlook for inflation and monetary policy.
The precious metal came under pressure after the United States launched fresh strikes against Iran. President Donald Trump declared that the ceasefire with Tehran had ended and ordered additional military action, prompting retaliatory attacks from Iran. Although an Axios report indicated that regional mediators are working to revive a previous U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding, uncertainty surrounding the Middle East conflict continues to weigh on financial markets.
The renewed geopolitical tensions pushed oil prices sharply higher, fueling fears of stronger energy-driven inflation. Rising inflation expectations have increased speculation that the Federal Reserve may adopt a more hawkish stance, with traders raising expectations for a U.S. interest rate hike in 2026, according to CME FedWatch data.
Higher interest rates typically reduce the appeal of non-yielding assets such as gold because investors can earn better returns from interest-bearing investments like bonds. This shift in expectations limited demand for bullion despite ongoing geopolitical risks, which often support safe-haven assets.
Other precious metals also posted weekly losses. Spot silver gained 0.5% on Friday to $60.2550 per ounce but remained down 4.1% for the week. Spot platinum advanced 1.2% to $1,636.14 per ounce during the session, though it was still lower by 0.4% on a weekly basis.
Investors are expected to closely monitor developments in the U.S.-Iran conflict, movements in oil prices, and upcoming Federal Reserve signals for further direction in gold and the broader precious metals market.
