Finance

Energy markets faced fresh upward movements after United States leadership denied plans to provide sanctions relief to Iran, reversing brief relief from recovering Persian Gulf shipment volumes. Broader geopolitical standoffs continue to threaten critical transport pathways, holding international benchmark Brent crude prices above the $100 per barrel mark. This ongoing supply friction remains a key driver for broader domestic inflation expectations.

Global gold prices rebounded toward the $4,180 per troy ounce threshold following a steep selloff earlier in the week that sent the metal to a seven-week low. The bounce was primarily driven by strategic bargain hunting and a slight cooling in early session crude pricing, which softened aggressive bets on an immediate central bank interest rate hike. However, the long-term outlook for non-yielding bullion remains constrained by a robust dollar and elevated fixed-income yields.

Bitcoin prices hovered near the $83,000 range, showcasing minor fluctuations as the asset attempts to close the month on a positive note. Strong institutional inflows from exchange-traded funds have provided a floor for the broader digital asset space against tightening monetary policy and elevated risk-free yields. Analysts point toward steadying derivatives positioning as traders cautiously prepare for potential volatility stemming from a massive end-of-month Treasury settlement.