Gold Price Prediction for April 2026: Impact of Iran-U.S. Conflict and Market Volatility Gold prices have experienced significant fluctuations in recent months, with the Iran-U.S. conflict playing a pivotal role in shaping market dynamics. Since hostilities began on February 28, spot gold has declined by 15 percent, falling 22 percent below its January 2026 record high of $5,595 per ounce. Analysts attribute this volatility to heightened inflation fears, reduced expectations of interest rate cuts, and concerns over global economic growth. The conflict has also intensified uncertainty, leading investors to cut back on risk-taking and shifting focus toward safer assets. Despite short-term volatility, experts suggest gold's long-term appeal as a store of value will remain intact. John Reade, senior market strategist at the World Gold Council, noted that gold typically performs well in stagflationary environments, though profit-taking and liquidation may occur before sustained gains. He highlighted that while 2025's speculative trades are being unwound, the broader factors driving gold—such as ballooning G7 budget deficits, persistent inflation, and central bank diversification of foreign reserves—remain unchanged. Historical precedents offer further insight. During the 2022 Russia-Ukraine war, gold initially rose but later retreated as inflationary pressures influenced central bank policies. Similarly, the current conflict has triggered a mixed response, with gold prices initially surging before retreating as liquidity concerns outweighed safe-haven demand. Analysts at ANZ observed that this pattern aligns with past episodes of extreme shocks, where market uncertainty temporarily dampens gold's appeal.#iran #united_states #donald_trump #world_gold_council #anz
Gold and Silver Prices Volatile Amid Global Uncertainty and Market Speculation Gold and silver prices have remained volatile this week, influenced by ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, the US-Israel-Iran conflict, and shifting investor sentiment. Safe-haven assets have attracted attention as global uncertainty persists, though the US dollar has strengthened, complicating the trajectory of precious metals. Analysts suggest that while gold and silver prices have experienced sharp fluctuations, the underlying factors driving their movement remain tied to macroeconomic and geopolitical developments. In India, gold prices in the national capital fell by Rs 1,100 to Rs 1.64 lakh per 10 grams on Friday, as traders booked profits after a recent rally. Silver prices also declined, dropping to Rs 2.71 lakh per kilogram. Data from the All India Sarafa Association indicated that gold of 99.9 purity settled at Rs 1,64,100 per 10 grams, while silver traded at Rs 2,71,700 per kg. Market participants attributed the decline to profit-taking amid mixed global cues, though the broader geopolitical environment continues to exert pressure on prices. Spot gold faced a 1.2% loss earlier in the week, closing at $5,082, but rebounded slightly in the Asian session as the US Dollar Index showed signs of weakness. However, the metal remained flat as concerns over inflation resurfaced. A surge in Brent crude oil prices to $87—its highest level since May 2024—has intensified inflation fears, reducing the likelihood of Federal Reserve rate cuts. Qatar’s Energy Minister, Saad al-Kaabi, warned that the Iran war in the Middle East could disrupt energy shipments from Persian Gulf countries, potentially pushing oil prices to $150 per barrel.#middle_east #us_israel_iran_conflict #qatar_energy_minister_saad_al_kaabi #world_gold_council #state_street
