Overview
Gold prices slipped in Asian trading on Friday but remained on course for a weekly increase, with spot bullion trading modestly below recent three-week highs. By 22:30 ET (02:30 GMT) spot gold was down 0.4% at $4,744.50 an ounce, while U.S. Gold Futures fell about 1% to $4,764.67.
Weekly performance and market context
Even with Friday's retreat, bullion was set to rise roughly 1.5% over the week, which would mark a third straight weekly advance. Underlying support for the metal has come from an uncertain geopolitical backdrop following a temporary ceasefire involving the U.S., announced earlier this week. That agreement has helped steady sentiment across markets but displayed vulnerabilities as military activity continued in Lebanon.
The Strait of Hormuz, a vital corridor for global oil shipments, remains largely shut, a factor that has kept energy market dynamics in focus. In public comments this week, President Donald Trump criticized Iran for doing a "poor job" of allowing energy supplies to flow.
Geopolitics, oil and inflation
Attention has turned to U.S.-Iran talks scheduled for the weekend, which market participants expect could provide further clarity on the geopolitical outlook. Oil prices, which spiked earlier in the week toward the vicinity of $120 per barrel after remarks from President Trump about wiping out Iran, eased over the course of the week. Nonetheless, elevated crude has heightened global inflation concerns, complicating central bank outlooks and potentially keeping interest rates higher for longer.
Those inflation worries intersect with the U.S. dollar's movements. The US Dollar Index inched up about 0.1% on the session, but was on track to fall more than 1% for the week as some safe-haven demand for the currency unwound. A softer dollar makes gold relatively cheaper for overseas buyers and has contributed to the metal's recent gains.
Data calendar and market positioning
Markets were awaiting key U.S. consumer inflation data due later on Friday, a report that could offer further indications about the Federal Reserve's policy trajectory. Economists polled ahead of the release expected headline CPI to accelerate, largely reflecting a surge in energy prices tied to the Middle East conflict.
Other metals
Silver was largely unchanged at $75.35 per ounce. Platinum slipped 1.8% to $2,1067.60/oz.