Platinum Pauses Below $1,540 After 14-Year High

Platinum futures fell further below $1,600 an ounce, moving near late-November lows as escalating attacks in the Middle East kept inflation concerns in focus. Hostilities between the US and Iran have expanded beyond military targets to critical infrastructure, while Tehran declared its ceasefire with the US had effectively collapsed. Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has largely come to a halt, driving oil prices sharply higher and raising the risk that central banks may tighten policy to contain inflation. Meanwhile, softer-than-expected US consumer and producer inflation data prompted markets to scale back expectations of a near-term Fed Reserve rate hike, offering some support to non-yielding assets such as platinum. The metal also remained underpinned by a tight supply outlook, with the World Platinum Investment Council continuing to forecast a fourth consecutive market deficit in 2026 as demand outpaces supply and above-ground inventories remain near historically low levels.

Platinum futures traded below $1,620 an ounce, pressured near their lowest levels since late November, as escalating tensions in the Middle East kept inflation concerns in focus. The US launched multiple strikes against Iran this week and reinstated a blockade on the Strait of Hormuz, while Tehran retaliated with attacks on US bases in neighboring countries. The renewed conflict sent oil prices sharply higher, reinforcing expectations that persistent energy supply disruptions could stoke inflation. Meanwhile, softer-than-expected US consumer and producer inflation data prompted markets to scale back the likelihood of a near-term Federal Reserve rate hike, supporting demand for non-yielding assets. The platinum market also draws support from a tight supply outlook as the World Platinum Investment Council continues to forecast a fourth consecutive market deficit in 2026, with demand expected to outpace supply and above-ground inventories projected to remain near historically low levels.

Platinum futures rose to around $1,670 an ounce, reaching more than a three-week high as softer US inflation data offset concerns over the escalating Middle East conflict. US producer prices unexpectedly fell in June for the first time in nearly a year, and together with surprisingly soft consumer inflation, an interest rate hike this month by the Federal Reserve has been effectively ruled out. This weakened the US dollar to a one-month low, boosting demand for dollar-denominated commodities such as platinum. However, the escalation in hostilities between US and Iran kept oil prices sharply higher, maintaining pressure on the inflation outlook. Meanwhile, platinum prices continued to draw support from expectations of a fourth consecutive global supply deficit this year, as constrained South African mine output, limited recycling supply, and dwindling above-ground inventories kept the physical market tight. Industrial demand also remained resilient, supported by the automotive sector.