Gold advanced in Asian trading on Friday after comments from U.S. President Donald Trump that appeared to ease immediate geopolitical tensions. By 22:43 ET (02:43 GMT), spot gold was reported up 1.2% at $4,429.32 per ounce, while U.S. Gold Futures increased 1.1% to $4,457.6/oz.
The move higher followed a sharp drop in the prior session. Gold had fallen nearly 3% in the previous session, and was set to record a 1.3% loss for the week.
Market drivers
On Thursday, President Trump said he would pause attacks on Iran’s energy infrastructure for 10 days at Tehran’s request and added that negotiations were "going very well." That temporary halt in hostilities trimmed the immediate safe-haven impulse that had supported bullion, while also exerting some downward pressure on the dollar. The US Dollar Index edged down 0.1% after three days of gains.
Gold typically moves inversely to the dollar, so the softer greenback lent support to bullion even as the reduction in near-term conflict risk capped the metal’s upside. Markets have shown elevated volatility in recent weeks, with the ongoing Middle East conflict disrupting traditional safe-haven dynamics.
Context on prices and inflation concerns
Prices for gold surged earlier this year to record highs before retreating sharply over the past month. A sharp spike in oil prices earlier this month, triggered by supply disruptions from the Iran conflict, has raised concerns about global inflation. Higher energy costs could keep inflation elevated and reinforce expectations that central banks will maintain interest rates at higher levels for longer.
While the easing of tensions between Washington and Tehran has limited fresh gains for gold, the article notes that lingering uncertainty over the conflict’s direction and its wider economic implications continues to underpin demand for the metal.
Other precious metals
- Silver rose 1.5% to $68.98 per ounce.
- Platinum climbed 2% to $1,871.60/oz.
Key points
- Spot gold rose 1.2% to $4,429.32 per ounce by 22:43 ET (02:43 GMT); U.S. Gold Futures rose 1.1% to $4,457.6/oz. - Markets.
- President Trump said he would pause attacks on Iran’s energy infrastructure for 10 days at Tehran’s request and said negotiations were "going very well." - Geopolitics.
- Gold is set for a weekly decline of 1.3% after dropping nearly 3% in the previous session; other precious metals also advanced. - Commodities and markets.
Risks and uncertainties
- Remaining uncertainty about the trajectory of the Iran conflict, which could reignite safe-haven demand for gold. - Geopolitics and energy markets.
- Elevated energy costs from supply disruptions could sustain inflation, influencing central bank rate expectations and pressure on asset prices. - Inflation and monetary policy.
- Volatility in the US Dollar Index, which affects gold’s price given their inverse relationship. - Currency markets.
These developments leave bullion sensitive to both geopolitical headlines and shifts in inflation and currency dynamics.