Gold prices held near the $5,000 level on Tuesday. The metal briefly rose early in the trading session. It then fell back towards this key psychological mark.
Conflict in Iran adds a geopolitical risk premium to gold. This supports its price. Concerns about stagflation in the United States also play a role. February’s US jobs data surprised to the downside, but inflation remains above 2.5%. This limits the Federal Reserve’s ability to raise rates aggressively.
Central banks remain net buyers of gold. JP Morgan forecasts official sector demand will average 585 tons per quarter this year. Gold mine production is expected to plateau or increase only slightly.
Traders show caution in the short term. The market has seen a significant rise in recent months, leading to some profit-taking. Analysts estimate gold could reach $5,400, possibly $6,000, in the longer term. A floor for prices is seen at the $4,600 level.