Gold Prices Ease from 10-Week High as Investors Weigh Fed Path and Hormuz Tensions

Gold prices declined on Friday, pulling back from a 10-week high as investors assessed a shifting outlook for U.S. monetary policy against geopolitical uncertainty in the Middle East. While the precious metal remained on course for its second consecutive weekly gain, profit-taking and developments concerning the Strait of Hormuz capped the recent rally.

Price Action

Spot gold (XAU/USD) traded down 0.4% at $4,335.56 an ounce in late trading, according to Investing.com data. Gold futures for near-term delivery fell 0.7%, slipping below a key psychological level to $4,391.34 an ounce.

Other precious metals also moved lower:

• Silver spot prices declined 0.6% to $64.09 an ounce.
• Platinum spot prices fell 0.5% to $1,710.58 an ounce.

Fed Outlook Softens on Inflation Data

Ad

The pullback follows a period of strength for gold, driven by recent U.S. economic data suggesting inflation is moderating. A softer-than-expected Consumer Price Index (CPI) report earlier in the week was followed by a benign Producer Price Index (PPI) reading for July, which showed headline prices were unchanged from the previous month.

These figures have reinforced the case for the Federal Reserve to hold interest rates steady at its September meeting, reducing the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding assets like gold. According to the source, money markets are now pricing in approximately a one-in-three chance of a rate hike next month.

Geopolitics and Profit-Taking Cap Gains

Despite the more favorable interest rate outlook, gold's advance was checked by profit-taking and geopolitical factors. Analysts at ANZ noted that selling emerged after the metal's recent rebound, particularly after it briefly crossed its 100-day moving average, a key technical indicator.

Investors are also closely monitoring diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. A successful resolution could ease oil supply pressures, lowering energy prices and inflation risks, which could in turn strengthen the case for the Fed to maintain a tighter policy stance. The outcome of these talks remains a significant variable for energy markets and, by extension, inflation expectations.