Spot gold prices declined Monday after hitting a two-week high last week. Rising oil prices and shifting interest rate expectations weighed on the precious metal.
U.S. military strikes against Iranian targets over the weekend, followed by an Iranian response, drove up oil prices. Spot Brent crude oil jumped more than 3%. The U.S. Dollar Index firmed, and 10-Year U.S. Treasury yields climbed.
Gold finished May down 0.9%, marking its fourth consecutive monthly loss. Traders are currently pricing gold based on interest rates rather than geopolitical fear. Gold offers no interest, making it less attractive when bond and cash instrument yields rise.
Higher oil prices typically signal increased inflation. This suggests the Federal Reserve may maintain or tighten its restrictive monetary policy. Futures markets now show a roughly 40% probability of a quarter-point rate hike by December, a significant shift from earlier expectations.
A stronger U.S. dollar also makes gold more expensive for international buyers, reducing demand. Markets will watch several Federal Reserve officials speak this week. Later, the May Non-Farm Payrolls report on Friday and the ISM Manufacturing Index will provide more data for rate decisions.