Gold Prices Slip as Inflation Concerns Rise While Oil Surges Above $100
Global gold prices declined in Monday’s trading (March 16, 2026) as rising concerns over global inflation weighed on market sentiment.
The surge in oil prices, driven by escalating conflict in the Middle East, is expected to complicate central banks’ plans—including the Federal Reserve—to cut interest rates in the near term.
Spot gold fell 0.3% to $5,001.61 per ounce at 11:10 GMT. Meanwhile, U.S. gold futures for April delivery dropped 1.1% to $5,007.20 per ounce.
According to Natixis analyst Bernard Dahdah, the focus of the gold market has shifted from disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz to the longer-term inflation outlook.
“Higher oil prices mean higher inflation. This situation could force the Federal Reserve to pause its rate-cutting cycle,” he said.
The sharp rise in oil prices has become a key factor pressuring gold. Oil prices have remained above $100 per barrel, surging more than 40% this month and reaching their highest levels since 2022.
The rally has been fueled by intensifying geopolitical tensions after military strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran prompted Tehran to halt oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route for global energy trade.
U.S. President Donald Trump has reportedly spoken with seven allied nations to help secure the strategic waterway after Iran launched continued attacks on vessels in the region.
The conflict between the United States and Israel against Iran has now entered its third week.
From the monetary policy perspective, investors are also closely watching the Federal Reserve’s two-day policy meeting scheduled this week. The U.S. central bank is widely expected to keep interest rates unchanged.
Several other major central banks will also hold policy meetings during the same period, including the European Central Bank, Bank of England, and Bank of Japan.
Market participants are waiting for policymakers’ views on how the Iran conflict could affect inflation, global economic growth, and the future direction of monetary policy.
In a research note, analysts at UBS said central banks are likely to remain cautious about inflation risks without immediately resorting to aggressive interest rate hikes.
However, UBS also warned that a prolonged conflict between the United States and Iran could weaken the global economy. Such conditions may ultimately boost safe-haven demand for gold.
Meanwhile, other precious metals showed mixed movements. Spot silver fell 2.1% to $78.86 per ounce, while platinum rose 2.6% to $2,076.23 per ounce. Palladium edged down 0.3% to $1,547.14 per ounce.






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