Gold prices edged lower on Friday, falling to $4,606.93 per ounce, down 0.19% from the previous day, as safe-haven demand softened and investor expectations for near-term U.S. interest rate cuts diminished.
Over the past month, gold has risen by more than 6%, and prices are up roughly 71% compared to the same time last year, reflecting sustained interest in the precious metal amid global economic uncertainties.
The pullback in gold came after U.S. President Donald Trump suggested that military action against Iran might be delayed. Trump said he had been assured that no further executions would take place and that the Iranian government’s crackdown on protests was easing. These developments reduced geopolitical risk, temporarily lowering demand for gold as a safety asset.
At the same time, strong U.S. economic data released on Thursday encouraged investors to scale back bets on an immediate Federal Reserve interest rate cut. Markets now expect the Fed to hold rates steady later this month, with the next fully priced rate cut likely delayed from June to July.
Despite Friday’s modest losses, gold has still gained more than 2% so far this week, marking its second consecutive weekly increase. Analysts note that prices remain near record highs, supported by ongoing economic uncertainties, global market volatility, and long-term investor appetite for safe assets.
Overall, gold continues to reflect a balance between easing geopolitical tensions and broader economic signals, with traders watching both international developments and central bank policy for cues on future price movements.
