Energy Pressures Haunt the Yellow Metal: Gold Hits Lowest Levels Since Mid-April

 Precious metal markets were negatively impacted by escalating geopolitical tensions between Washington and Tehran, as gold futures recorded a 1.4% drop to settle at $4,811. Despite continued central bank demand, the opportunity cost of holding gold rose due to surging bond yields and fears of a regional ceasefire collapse. According to market experts, the continued disruption of navigation in Hormuz places gold under technical pressure, potentially keeping it below the $5,000 level unless a sustainable de-escalation occurs in international energy corridors during 2026.