Just as the markets thought that gold and silver prices may hold steady, reports emerged that Tehran rejected the Trump administration's ceasefire plan and insisted on sovereign control over the crucial waterway passage of the Strait of Hormuz.
The precious metals markets reacted to the same, as gold prices once again dropped below the important $4,500/oz mark, hitting an intra-day low of $4,413/oz. Silver too faced selling pressure, dropping below the $70/oz level and trading near the $67/oz mark.
Crude surge caps gains for gold and silver
Brent crude, the global benchmark for oil, which saw some price relief in yesterday’s trade, has once again climbed back to the $100/bbl mark as escalating tensions between the US and Iran continue to disrupt global energy markets. The US benchmark, West Texas Intermediate, also rose to the $93/bbl mark on fears of supply disruptions.
The rise in fuel prices has once again heightened inflationary concerns, limiting the upside for precious metals. The safe-haven appeal of gold has again taken a toll, prompting a hawkish shift among major central banks and capping the gains for precious metals.
Currently, markets price in no rate cuts by the US Federal Reserve for this year, in contrast to February, when markets were expecting at least two rate cuts. High interest rates reduce the opportunity cost of holding non-interest-yielding assets.
“In the next 24 to 48 hours, (gold prices) will just be about reacting to headlines about negotiations,” Reuters quoted Kyle Rodda, a senior financial market analyst at Capital.com, as saying.
Dollar index rises again
As per media reports, the US is preparing to deploy thousands of troops in the Gulf region, further increasing fears of significant escalation in the Iranian conflict, which has now entered its fourth week. This is likely to weigh on investor sentiment, with the dollar emerging as a safe-haven winner.
The dollar index, which extended some declines from its record high yesterday, is once again trading at monthly record high levels. A strong dollar makes precious metals like gold and silver more expensive for other currency holders, thereby denting demand.
Domestic prices to react to global cues
Experts said that Wednesday’s rise in gold and silver was more of a relief rally and short covering. On the domestic front, MCX will likely react to these global cues in the evening session today, as the exchange observed partial closure on the occasion of Shree Ram Navami.
"As long as geopolitical uncertainty and inflation concerns persist, gold is likely to remain volatile. The near-term range for gold is seen between Rs 1,35,000-s 1,55,000," said Jateen Trivedi, VP, Research Analyst – Commodity and Currency, LKP Securities.
Report by Financial Express
source:Dailyhunt

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