Gold and Silver Prices Under Pressure from Inflation and Rising Yields

Gold and silver prices have been under pressure in recent weeks due to hotter inflation, rising Treasury yields, and surging energy costs. Spot gold finished near $4,348 per ounce, while silver closed roughly flat at $64.50, leaving the gold-to-silver ratio near 67.

Rising crude oil prices and record-high diesel costs have contributed to a third consecutive weekly decline across gold and other precious metals despite Friday's modest rebound.

Gold investment demand remains exceptionally strong, with global physically backed gold ETFs attracting approximately $18 billion in August, the second-largest monthly inflow on record. China's central bank purchased more than 20 metric tons of gold in August, extending its reported buying streak to 22 consecutive months.