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Gold rises as US-Iran peace deal optimism counters hawkish Fed
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Gold rises as US-Iran peace deal optimism counters hawkish Fed

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  • Gold (XAU:XAU) rose 1.2% to $4,307.71 an ounce on Thursday following the signing of an interim peace agreement between the United States and Iran.
  • The precious metal recovered from recent losses despite the Federal Reserve signaling that it intends to implement an interest rate hike later this year.
  • While the peace deal is expected to alleviate energy-driven inflationary pressures, analysts maintain a cautious outlook as higher rates typically present a headwind for non-interest-bearing assets.

Gold advanced as much as 1.7% to $4,328 an ounce during Thursday's trading session after US and Iranian officials signed an interim peace agreement on Wednesday evening.

The deal aims to resolve the conflict that has disrupted global energy markets, though uncertainty remains regarding the timeline for reopening the Strait of Hormuz for normal shipping traffic.

"Lower oil still helps at the margin," said Oversea-Chinese Banking Corp Strategist Christopher Wong. "But the Fed outcome complicates the story and argues for a cautious near-term read on gold even as the medium-term constructive case has not disappeared."

While the Federal Reserve maintained interest rates in its latest meeting, it removed previous references to additional adjustments, and market participants are now fully pricing in a tightening of monetary policy by October.

"The overall tilt remains bearish for the yellow metal," noted TD Securities Senior Commodity Strategist Ryan Mckay, adding that a significant shift in Fed outlook would be required to alter the current market sentiment.

Gold continues to trade in a complex environment where the easing of geopolitical risk is balanced against a tightening interest rate environment in the United States.

Market participants are now closely monitoring the speed at which energy prices normalize and whether the peace agreement leads to a sustained stabilization of global supply chains.

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