Gold gains on US-Iran ceasefire optimism but set for monthly drop

Spot gold was up 0.6% to $4,519.64 per ounce at 8:52 a.m. EDT (1252 GMT). Prices fell to ​a two-month low of $4,365.76 on Thursday, but closed higher.

U.S. gold ⁠futures for August delivery rose 0.4% to $4,550.00.

Four sources familiar with the ​matter said the proposed U.S-Iran deal would extend their truce by 60 days and lift restrictions on shipping ​through the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. President Donald Trump has yet to approve the agreement, and Iranian state media said it has not been finalised.

Gold bounced from a key technical support level, while optimism over the ceasefire extension pushed ​oil prices and the dollar lower - both supportive for bullion, said Phillip Streible, chief market strategist ​at Blue Line Futures.

The dollar index (.DXY), opens new tab was on track for a weekly decline, making dollar-denominated metals cheaper for overseas ‌buyers, ⁠while oil prices were also set for a weekly fall.

Still, the “higher-for-longer” interest-rate theme remains intact, Streible said, as disruptions to shipping and energy infrastructure could keep oil prices elevated and the Federal Reserve cautious.

Data showed U.S. inflation rose at its fastest pace in three years in ​April, driven by ​higher energy prices ⁠linked to the Iran war, reinforcing expectations the Fed will keep rates unchanged well into next year.

Higher interest rates increase the ​opportunity cost of holding non-yielding gold. Spot gold was ​down more ⁠than 2% for the month.

Elsewhere, gold demand in India remained subdued due to higher prices and import duties, while premiums in top consumer China narrowed amid cautious sentiment.

Spot silver ⁠fell 0.2% ​to $75.51 per ounce and was headed for ​monthly gain, while platinum steadied at $1,923.55. Palladium gained 0.6% to $1,375.57, but was down more than ​9% for the month.