Most Asian currencies weakened on Friday amidst escalating geopolitical tensions, with the US Dollar (USD) and the Japanese Yen (JPY) garnering safe-haven demand. Reports of retaliatory strikes by Israel against Iran fueled risk aversion, pushing investors towards traditional safe-haven assets.
Gold prices for XAU/USD continued their downward slide on Tuesday, echoing the trend from the day prior. Currently hovering near $2,305.90 per ounce, this marks a notable retreat from April's highs around $2,430 per ounce, signaling a notable relaxation in market tensions.
During the Asian session on Friday, the price of gold (XAU/USD) showed a modest increase, reaching $2,335 an ounce, although without sustained buying momentum and lingering below the previous high. Investors are redirecting their attention past the disappointing US GDP figures, as the growing consensus anticipates a delay in interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve due to persistent inflationary pressures, consequently bolstering demand for the US Dollar (USD). This, coupled with a generally optimistic sentiment in equity markets, acts as a significant headwind for the safe-haven appeal of precious metals.