Platinum Hits 12-Year High

Platinum futures fell to around $2,200 an ounce, easing from four-week highs, tracking a broader retreat across precious metals. The decline came as the dollar strengthened, reclaiming its traditional safe-haven role amid escalating Middle East tensions. The US military is expected to intensify strikes on Iran, while a top Iranian official warned that vessels attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz could be targeted, with tanker traffic effectively stalled amid heightened security risks. The escalation drove oil prices sharply higher, intensifying concerns over inflationary pressures. This triggered a sell-off in Treasuries and reduced bets of further Federal Reserve rate cuts. Meanwhile, platinum’s heavy reliance on industrial demand, particularly automotive catalytic converters, makes it more sensitive to slower global manufacturing and weak auto demand. Still, the market remains structurally tight, with ongoing supply constraints from major producers continuing to support prices.

Platinum futures fluctuated around $2,300 an ounce as markets navigated heightened volatility amid escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. The US military is expected to escalate attacks on Iran, while a senior Iranian official warned that ships attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz could be targeted, a move threatening roughly one-fifth of global oil flows and sending energy prices higher. The dollar and gold emerged as stronger safe havens amid worries the conflict may intensify in the region and deepen uncertainty, while platinum’s industrial-linked demand capped the metal’s gains. The metal’s heavy reliance on industrial demand, particularly automotive catalytic converters and hydrogen/fuel cell production, makes it more sensitive to slower global manufacturing and weak auto demand. Nonetheless, the market remains structurally tight, with ongoing supply constraints from major producers continuing to support prices.

Platinum increased to 2373.00 USD/t.oz, the highest since January 2026. Over the past 4 weeks, Platinum lost 10.46%, and in the last 12 months, it increased 139.29%.