Gold Eases at Week's Start

2026-03-16 14:44 By Felipe Alarcon 1 min. read

Gold prices eased toward $5,000 per ounce on Monday as cooling energy prices and a slight retreat in the US dollar offset safe-haven demand from the Middle East conflict.

Bullion previously faced pressure from a sharp rise in Treasury yields, yet the market is stabilizing after US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicated that Iranian tankers are being allowed to transit the Strait of Hormuz.

This development helped West Texas Intermediate crude fall back toward $95 a barrel, supporting a rebound in global equity markets and a decline in the US 10-year Treasury note yield.

The persistent safe-haven appeal of gold remains as the US-Israeli war with Iran enters its third week, but the metal faces a technical headwind from the Federal Reserve which is widely expected to maintain a restrictive policy stance this week.

Investors are monitoring reports of a potential multinational coalition to escort shipping, as de-escalation could dampen the risk premium.



News Stream
Gold Eases at Week's Start
Gold prices eased toward $5,000 per ounce on Monday as cooling energy prices and a slight retreat in the US dollar offset safe-haven demand from the Middle East conflict. Bullion previously faced pressure from a sharp rise in Treasury yields, yet the market is stabilizing after US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicated that Iranian tankers are being allowed to transit the Strait of Hormuz. This development helped West Texas Intermediate crude fall back toward $95 a barrel, supporting a rebound in global equity markets and a decline in the US 10-year Treasury note yield. The persistent safe-haven appeal of gold remains as the US-Israeli war with Iran enters its third week, but the metal faces a technical headwind from the Federal Reserve which is widely expected to maintain a restrictive policy stance this week. Investors are monitoring reports of a potential multinational coalition to escort shipping, as de-escalation could dampen the risk premium.
2026-03-16
Gold Holds Decline as Oil Remains Volatile
Gold held near $5,000 per ounce on Monday after falling for two straight weeks, as oil remained volatile after the US attacked Iran’s main oil-export hub of Kharg Island over the weekend, heightening global supply risks. The strike prompted retaliatory attacks from Tehran on Israel and energy infrastructure across other Arab countries. The US-Israeli war on Iran has now entered its third week with no clear resolution in sight, rattling financial markets. Higher energy prices and mounting inflationary pressures have lowered expectations that the US Federal Reserve and other major central banks will cut interest rates, posing a headwind for non-yielding precious metals. The Fed is widely expected to hold its policy rate steady this week, while central banks in the Eurozone, the UK, Japan, Switzerland, Australia, Canada, China, Brazil, and Russia are also set to decide on monetary policy.
2026-03-15
Gold Back on the Defensive
Gold prices dropped below $5,050 per ounce on Friday as a strengthening US dollar and fading expectations for interest rate cuts outweighed the traditional safe haven appeal of the precious metal. The dollar strengthened as investors sought liquidity following the announcement of the largest wave of strikes yet against Iranian targets and the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz. While geopolitical volatility typically drives bullion demand, the threat of persistent inflation from crude oil prices exceeding $100 per barrel has shifted the focus toward yield bearing assets. Market participants have largely discarded the possibility of rate cuts in 2026 as rising energy costs complicate the path toward price stability. This surge in the greenback and Treasury yields has forced liquidations as investors sell gold to cover margin calls and raise cash. The metal is now set for a second straight weekly decline despite the ongoing regional conflict.
2026-03-13