Gold prices climbed sharply as tensions in the Middle East drove demand for safe assets. Softer U.S. inflation also boosted hopes for rate cuts, supporting gold's rally above $3,400.

Gold prices stabilized in Asian markets on Tuesday, following a pullback triggered by mixed signals around the Israel-Iran conflict and U.S. involvement. Spot gold edged up 0.2% to $3,392.25 per ounce,

GOLD prices rose on Thursday, as rising Middle East tensions boosted demand for safe-haven assets, while softer-than-expected US inflation data raised expectations of potential interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve.

Geopolitical uncertainties in the middle-middle-east have pushed gold over the ₹1 lakh per 10 grams mark. Check gold and silver rates in your city today — Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Delhi and Mumbai.

Tensions in the Middle East are driving Gold's rise. Iran and Israel are exchanging attacks. Rising conflict prompts traders to seek gold as a haven. Fed policy also plays a key role. Traders expect a rate cut if US inflation drops and growth weakens.

Gold prices on the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) have surged amid rising tensions in the Middle East, with analysts warning that any further escalation could push rates to ₹1.02–1.05 lakh per 10 grams.

If prices go up, Fed officials may be inclined to raise its benchmark rate, raising borrowing costs for businesses and consumers. That could lead to businesses to cut jobs, particularly in the high-growth tech sector, and force Americans to pull back on spending, which drives more than 70% of economic activity in the U.S.

This rise is also lifting the commodities sector, which is headed for its second consecutive weekly gain, with the Bloomberg Commodity Total Return Index ( DJP) up 3.3% this month and year-to-date returns in U.S. dollar exceeding 9%.

Gold prices in India have soared to record levels, surpassing ₹1 lakh per 10 grams with a 28% rise in just one year. This surge is driven by escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, inflation worries, and central bank purchases but these very factors also make this a risky time to buy.

The precious metal is forecast to hit US$3,400 an ounce by the end of 2025. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more at straitstimes.com.