Gold hovered around $4,450 an ounce on Thursday after two straight sessions of losses, as persistent uncertainty over US–Iran peace talks kept markets focused on inflation risks and the prospect of prolonged higher interest rates.
Negotiations remain stalled over key points, including Tehran’s insistence on retaining control over the Strait of Hormuz and continuing its nuclear program. US President Donald Trump reiterated that Washington would not accept what he termed a “bad deal,” and he rejected any easing of sanctions despite Iran’s demands for economic relief and an end to attacks.
Even if the two sides move closer to an agreement, elevated energy prices are still expected to stoke inflationary pressures, reinforcing the case for central banks to keep interest rates higher for longer rather than move ahead with rate cuts. Gold has fallen more than 15% since the conflict began.
