Gold prices rose on Friday,
supported by a weaker dollar and softer U.S. Treasury yields,
but were on track for a second consecutive weekly drop as rising
energy prices dimmed prospects for near-term U.S. interest rate
cuts.
Spot gold was up 0.8% at $5,118.75 per ounce, as of
0234 GMT. U.S. gold futures for April delivery was
unchanged at $5,123.30.
“The dollar has eased from its highs which has opened the
door for gold to make headway amid the ongoing geopolitical
risks,” said Tim Waterer, KCM Trade chief market analyst.
Bullion, however, has lost roughly 1% so far this week.
Fears of inflation and questions about the Federal Reserve’s
ability to cut rates if high oil prices persist is somewhat
counteracting gold’s appeal, Waterer said.
The dollar nudged lower on Friday, making greenback-priced
commodities such as bullion cheaper for holders of other
currencies.
The U.S. 10-year Treasury yields eased,
increasing the appeal of non-yielding bullion.
Heightening geopolitical tensions, Iran’s Supreme Leader
Mojtaba Khamenei said on Thursday that Tehran will keep the
strategic Strait of Hormuz closed as leverage against the United
States and Israel, a development that has stoked concerns about
global energy supply and risk assets.
Oil prices rose above $100 a barrel, stoking inflation
fears, as attacks on oil tankers in the Gulf and warnings from
Iran shattered prospects of quick de-escalation in the Middle
East conflict.
As oil prices surged, U.S. President Donald Trump again
demanded Fed Chair Jerome Powell cut interest rates.
Traders expect the Fed to keep rates steady in the current
3.5%-3.75% range at the end of its two-day meeting on March 18,
according to CME Group’s FedWatch tool.
While recent inflation data suggest price growth is under
control, the war on Iran and the resulting spike in crude prices
have yet to filter through the data.
Investors are now awaiting release of January’s delayed
Personal Consumption Expenditures Index, due later in the day.
Spot silver was up 1.4% at $84.96 per ounce. Spot
platinum gained 0.9% to $2,151.97 and palladium
rose 1.4% to $1,640.64.