Rising oil prices fuel inflation expectations, putting pressure on gold prices to decline

1. On Monday during the Asian session, international gold prices declined, with spot gold once falling by 0.695% to $4,670.35 per ounce. Due to a lack of progress in US-Iran peace talks and rising oil prices, the market is concerned that persistent high inflation may force interest rates to remain elevated for a prolonged period, putting pressure on gold prices.2. The strengthening US dollar has also increased the cost of purchasing gold for investors holding other currencies.3. US President Trump rejected Iran’s response to the US proposal for peace talks, dashing hopes for a swift end to the war. Oil prices rose by more than $3 on Monday, with the Strait of Hormuz virtually closed and global energy supplies remaining tight.4. The Federal Reserve's semiannual report pointed out that the conflict with Iran and its impact on oil prices have risen to the top of its financial stability concern list. Chicago Fed President Goolsbee stated that future monetary policy may include rate hikes.5. China’s domestic raw gold production fell by 7.08% year-on-year in the first quarter. Gold demand in India remained weak as the rebound in prices led buyers to postpone purchases; however, supported by safe-haven demand, China’s gold premium remained stable. For the week ending May 5, net long speculative positions in gold increased to 95,664 contracts.6. Spot gold has now rebounded above the $4,700 level, trading near $4,702 per ounce, while the decline has narrowed to 0.25%.