Gold Pressured by Strong US Inflation Data

Gold decreased to 4366.00 USD/t.oz, the lowest since March 2026. Over the past 4 weeks, Gold lost 6.79%, and in the last 12 months, it increased 32.05%.

Gold prices dropped below $4,370 per ounce on Friday, reaching their lowest level of 2026 and heading for a weekly decline of nearly 4%, as a stronger-than-expected US jobs report and ongoing Middle East uncertainty heightened inflation and interest rate concerns. The May nonfarm payroll report revealed the US economy added 172,000 jobs, significantly above the forecasted 85,000, while the unemployment rate held steady at 4.3% and annual wage growth moderated to 3.4%, in line with expectations. This prompted investors to increase bets on a Federal Reserve interest rate hike, with markets now pricing in a quarter-point increase by year-end. Meanwhile, investors closely monitored developments in the Middle East, where US President Donald Trump stated that peace negotiations were nearing their final stage. However, Iran’s Foreign Minister dismissed any meaningful progress, and Iran-backed Hezbollah rejected a US-mediated ceasefire proposal.

Gold fell below $4,450 an ounce on Friday and was set for a weekly decline of more than 2%, pressured by ongoing uncertainty in the Middle East that kept inflation risks and interest rate concerns in focus. President Donald Trump said peace negotiations were approaching their final stage and is reportedly reluctant to re-enter full-scale war with Iran despite recent tensions. However, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said there has been no meaningful progress in the discussions. Iran-backed Hezbollah also rejected a US-mediated ceasefire proposal between Israel and Lebanon, adding to doubts over efforts to de-escalate regional hostilities. The prolonged conflict and continued disruptions to energy flows through the Strait of Hormuz kept oil prices elevated, reinforcing concerns about inflation and the risk of higher interest rates.