Gold prices fell 1 percent in early European trade on Friday, as markets reacted to the growing possibility of a prolonged conflict in the Middle East.
"If gold closes above $4,600, it could maintain upward momentum. Otherwise, strong support exists around $4,450, where the market may find a base and reverse," Adnan Agar, Director at Interactive Commodities, said.
The initial drop took bullion toward the critical $4,500 psychological level, extending losses after touching a one-month low of $4,509 per ounce on Wednesday. However, the metal found buyers, rebounding to a high of $4,646 before settling near $4,616 by midday, according to Reuters data. The recovery was aided by a weaker U.S. dollar, which fell sharply after Japanese authorities intervened to support the yen.
The price action comes as major central banks, including the Federal Reserve, European Central Bank, and Bank of England, warn that a sustained conflict could have significant implications for inflation, complicating the path for future monetary policy. While gold is a traditional safe haven, the initial slide suggests a complex market reaction as traders also weigh the potential for higher-for-longer interest rates.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice.