Gold edged lower in Asian trading on Thursday after marginal gains the previous session, as investors monitored renewed tensions in the Middle East that could imperil a tenuous U.S.-Iran ceasefire.
Market moves
Spot gold declined 0.3% to $4,704.96 an ounce by 21:30 ET (01:30 GMT), while U.S. Gold Futures fell about 1% to $4,731.84 per ounce.
On Wednesday bullion had finished 0.3% higher after intraday gains that reached as much as 3%, moves that followed the announcement of a temporary truce between the U.S. and Iran. That ceasefire initially reduced immediate concerns about supply shocks but did not fully soothe market unease.
Ceasefire details and regional developments
The ceasefire in question was brokered by Pakistan and is designed as a two-week halt in hostilities with the stated goal of reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Despite the pact, market sentiment remained cautious as Israeli strikes on Lebanon continued, prompting questions about how durable the truce may be.
Iran described the prospect of peace talks with the U.S. under current conditions as "unreasonable." Iranian officials also warned that ongoing attacks erode trust and could derail planned negotiations, highlighting significant divisions over the framework and enforcement of the ceasefire.
Macro backdrop and other market pressures
Oil prices rebounded modestly on Thursday after having tumbled sharply when the ceasefire was announced in the prior session. That rebound in oil has put additional pressure on gold, given concerns about a possible rise in global inflation.
Investors are focused on U.S. consumer price index (CPI) data for March, due on Friday, which market participants expect will shed more light on the inflation outlook and influence the Federal Reserve's policy path. Markets are preparing for a notable uptick in inflation readings as energy-related price pressures from the recent oil shock continue to work through the economy.
Currency moves also played a role. The U.S. dollar steadied on Thursday after a 0.7% drop in the previous session, a stabilization that capped further potential gains in bullion.
Other precious metals
Among other precious metals, silver fell 1.3% to $73.16 per ounce, while platinum slipped 0.9% to $2,011.14 per ounce.
Given the current mix of geopolitical uncertainty, energy price movement and imminent U.S. inflation data, market participants are maintaining a cautious stance toward safe-haven assets and inflation-linked markets.