Gold Drops 2.8% to $4446. Silver Rises 0.2%. Iran Tensions Dominate

Session Close: Precious Metals Under Geopolitical Tension and Macroeconomic Expectations

Today's session in the precious metals markets has been characterized by persistent volatility stemming from escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and the evolution of expectations regarding future monetary policies. Despite a partial recovery in silver, gold and platinum experienced significant declines, reflecting a landscape of uncertainty that has yet to dissipate.

Closing Levels:

* **Gold (XAU):** $4446.00 USD/oz (-2.82%)

* **Silver (XAG):** $69.80 USD/oz (+0.20%)

* **Platinum (XPT):** $1878.10 USD/oz (-4.69%)

* **Palladium (XPD):** $1442.00 USD/oz (-0.22%)

* **Copper (HG):** $5.50 USD/oz (+2.43%)

Key Factors of the Session:

The most relevant news influencing the metals' behavior has been the escalation of tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, with conflicting reports on mine placement by Iran and declarations of control over the area by the Iranian IRGC. These developments, along with the possibility of a US airborne troop deployment, have maintained a risk-averse sentiment in the market, albeit with nuances. Gold's volatility, in particular, has been amplified by this safe-haven asset factor.

On the other hand, information regarding potential US government intervention to increase diesel supply and mitigate fuel price hikes, in light of supply disruptions from the Middle East conflict, has generated movements in the energy sector that indirectly affect demand for industrial metals like copper.

Statements about possible US-Iran talks, though later denied by Tehran, added an additional layer of complexity and volatility to the session, causing the market to react to every new headline.

The session was also influenced by the absence of high-impact macroeconomic data released during the afternoon in the West, which allowed geopolitical factors and Federal Reserve monetary policy expectations to take center stage in investor decision-making.

Outlook for Tomorrow:

For tomorrow's session, attention will focus on the evolution of the geopolitical situation in the Middle East, especially any new developments in the Strait of Hormuz. Likewise, any indications or statements from the Federal Reserve regarding its future interest rate decisions will be crucial in defining the direction of precious metals and the US dollar. Copper's price dynamics will also be closely watched, given its sensitivity to energy policies and global industrial demand.

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