Gold Prices: Spot gold increased 0.9% to $4,475.41 per ounce; gold futures rose 0.8% to $4,502.25 per ounce.
Currency & Commodity Moves: The US Dollar index was reported at +0.92%, indicating a weaker dollar relative to other currencies. Crude oil (WTI) fell 3.24%, and the 10‑year US Treasury yield (TNX) rose 0.81%.
Geopolitical Context: Israel and Lebanon renewed a fragile ceasefire after a fourth round of US‑mediated talks. The truce is contingent on a complete cessation of Hezbollah fire and the evacuation of Hezbollah operatives south of the Litani River. The ceasefire eased regional tensions, reviving hopes for a broader peace deal involving the United States and Iran.
Political Commentary: President Donald Trump suggested progress in Iran talks could occur as soon as the weekend and told aides he would not resume attacks on Iran unless US forces were killed. The US House of Representatives voted for a resolution to block the president from continuing the conflict; the measure still requires Senate approval and a two‑thirds majority to override a potential veto.
Analyst Views:David Morrison, senior market analyst at Trade Nation, said the ceasefire “has raised hopes that Iran will return to the negotiating table.” Analysts at UBS expect most major central banks—including the Federal Reserve and the Bank of England—to keep policy rates unchanged in the near term.
Economic backdrop: Falling oil prices helped ease inflationary pressures. Earlier in the week, strong US labor‑market data tempered expectations of further Fed rate hikes, but the market remains focused on the upcoming May non‑farm payrolls report.
