Gold Gains Momentum as US-Iran Peace Deal Boosts Market Sentiment
Gold prices climbed to their highest level in a week during early European trading on Monday, rebounding after the United States and Iran reached a preliminary peace agreement aimed at ending their prolonged conflict. The development eased concerns over inflation and the prospect of higher interest rates, providing fresh support for the precious metal.
XAU/USD Technical Outlook Remains Bearish
On the daily chart, XAU/USD was trading at $4,326.30. Despite the recent rebound, the precious metal continues to maintain a short-term bearish bias, with spot prices remaining below the 21-day, 50-day, 100-day, and 200-day Simple Moving Averages (SMAs).
The clustering of these moving averages well above current prices suggests that the latest rally may represent a corrective bounce within a broader downtrend. Meanwhile, the Relative Strength Index (RSI) remains near 44, indicating moderate negative momentum rather than a fully oversold condition.
On the upside, initial resistance is located near the 21-day SMA at $4,421, followed by the 200-day SMA around $4,454, where the first significant supply zone is expected to emerge. Further resistance levels are seen at the 50-day SMA near $4,581 and the 100-day SMA around $4,762. A sustained move above these levels would be required to weaken the prevailing bearish technical structure.
Fundamental Overview
The nearly four-month conflict between the United States and Iran appears to be nearing an end after both sides announced a preliminary peace agreement on Sunday. The deal is expected to take effect on Friday, June 19.
U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the agreement would ultimately ensure the Strait of Hormuz remains permanently open to global shipping, according to reports published by The New York Times.
However, Trump also warned that military action against Tehran could resume if Iran fails to reach a final nuclear agreement with Washington. He added that the United States could assume a broader security role in the Middle East in exchange for a share of regional revenues.
Meanwhile, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi emphasized that a permanent and immediate end to hostilities had been declared across multiple fronts, including Lebanon.
Asian equities rallied sharply as renewed geopolitical optimism improved risk sentiment across global markets. Investors moved away from the U.S. dollar, traditionally viewed as a safe-haven asset, in search of higher-yielding opportunities, providing additional support for USD-denominated gold prices.
Gold also benefited from declining oil prices following the agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Lower energy prices helped ease inflation concerns and reduced expectations for additional interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve.
A softer outlook for monetary tightening generally favors non-yielding assets such as gold, enhancing the metal’s appeal among investors.
Nevertheless, questions remain regarding the sustainability of gold’s recovery. Several key details of the peace agreement have yet to be clarified, particularly those related to the reopening and long-term security of the Strait of Hormuz.
In addition, any renewed military escalation involving Israel and Lebanon could threaten the fragile peace framework. Investors may also choose to reduce recently established long positions ahead of the Federal Reserve’s highly anticipated two-day policy meeting, which begins on Tuesday under new Fed Chair Kevin Warsh.
With technical indicators still pointing to a bearish short-term trend, gold remains vulnerable to renewed downside pressure despite the latest recovery.



