Gold prices slipped on Wednesday, as rising oil prices fuelled concerns of persistent inflation, with markets watching closely for remarks from US Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell on the future path of interest rates.
Spot gold was down 0.3 per cent at $4,579.34 per ounce, as of 0919 GMT, after falling to its lowest level since April 2 in the previous session. US gold futures for June delivery fell 0.4 per cent to $4,592.60.
Efforts to end the Iran conflict were at an impasse, as US President Donald Trump was unhappy with the latest proposal from Tehran, which he said had informed the US it was in a “state of collapse” and figuring out its leadership situation.
“Market sentiment has shifted toward skepticism regarding a potential US-Iran agreement, reinforcing the ‘higher-for-longer’ interest rate narrative,” said Zain Vawda, analyst at MarketPulse by OANDA.
The Fed is widely expected to hold interest rates steady at the end of its two-day meeting later today, while investors look out for comments from Powell on whether the central bank is looking for rate hikes later this year if inflation accelerates.
High interest rates weigh on gold’s attractiveness as it’s a non-yielding asset.
“Gold remains acutely sensitive to this shifting rate environment, which inflationary pressures from rising oil prices are currently exacerbating, Vawda said, adding that if the US and Iran can reach a swift deal, bulls could return and push gold to finish the year between $5,300 and $5,500/oz.
Oil prices extended gains, as markets assessed a report stating that the US will extend its blockade of Iranian ports, likely prolonging supply disruptions from the key Middle East producing region.
Global gold demand rose 2 per cent year-on-year in the first quarter of 2026 as a surge in purchases of gold bars and coins, along with an increase in buying by central banks, offset a 23 per cent decline in jewellery demand, the World Gold Council said on Wednesday.
Spot silver fell 0.2 per cent to $72.92 per ounce, platinum fell 0.9 per cent to $1,922.83, and palladium was down 0.6 per cent at $1,451.46.