Gold futures slipped below $5100 per ounce on Friday, setting the metal on course for a weekly decline of more than 1% and marking a second straight weekly loss as a stronger U.S. dollar and subdued investment demand weighed on prices. The dollar index climbed above 100, supported by safe-haven flows as the Middle East conflict continued to fuel uncertainty. Tensions escalated after remarks from Donald Trump and Mojtaba Khamenei, with Tehran warning it could keep the Strait of Hormuz closed and expand the conflict if attacks by the United States and Israel persist. Rising energy prices have heightened inflation concerns, reducing expectations of near-term interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve. Meanwhile, MCX April gold futures traded about 0.5% lower near ₹1,59,450 per 10 grams. Investors are now focused on the upcoming PCE price index, the Fed’s preferred inflation gauge, for fresh signals on inflation trends, though it may not yet reflect the impact of the ongoing Iran conflict.
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