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Gold prices climbed over 0.81% on Tuesday as the US-Iran deal eased inflationary pressures, reducing market expectations of Federal Reserve rate hikes in 2026. The XAU/USD pair rose to $4,344 after hitting intraday lows of $4,306, driven by reduced fears of aggressive monetary tightening. The decline in oil prices, a key inflation driver, further softened the urgency for rate hikes, supporting gold’s appeal as a hedge against currency volatility.

This development is significant for traders as it highlights the inverse relationship between gold and US dollar strength. With lower inflation expectations, the Fed’s policy pivot becomes more likely, weakening the USD and boosting gold demand. Commodity traders should monitor the Fed’s policy signals and oil price movements, as these will dictate gold’s short-to-medium term trajectory.

For global markets, the shift in rate hike expectations could impact risk appetite and capital flows. Investors should watch the Fed’s upcoming economic projections and the trajectory of energy prices. A sustained drop in oil could further decouple inflation from central bank actions, altering asset allocation strategies across equities, bonds, and commodities.