US-Iran Tensions Fuel Gold Rush as Inflation Concerns Mount
Gold prices have reached a more than five-month high in India as tensions between the US and Iran escalate. The precious metal rose to Rs 1,64,400 per 10 grams on Monday, up from Friday's closing level of Rs 1,63,500 per 10 grams. This is its highest price since March 9.
Silver prices also surged, reaching a four-month high of Rs 2,53,500 per kilogram. The white metal had last been around this level on April 17.
The rise in gold and silver prices can be attributed to the weaker US dollar and strong safe-haven demand amid renewed US-Iran tensions. Analysts believe that inflation concerns will play a key role in determining the next move in bullion.
According to Gaurav Garg, Head of Research at Lemonn Markets Desk, 'the next move in bullion may hinge less on geopolitics and more on inflation.' The Federal Reserve's response to higher oil rates amid the Iran escalation will be closely watched, particularly whether the price shock is seen as temporary or as a broader inflation risk.
Investors are looking to this week's US Core Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) data and Fed Chair Kevin Warsh's debut at Jackson Hole Symposium for clues on how much inflation the American Central Bank is willing to tolerate.