Dubai gold prices soften at the end of volatile week

Dubai's gold prices experienced a downturn towards the end of a turbulent week, influenced by the Federal Reserve's rate hike and a decline in oil prices, according to market traders. This trend is likely to continue as gold has been a favored investment this year. On Friday, 24-karat gold in Dubai was priced at Dh522.75, a slight decrease from yesterday's Dh526.25. Meanwhile, 22-karat gold saw a reduction of Dh3 to Dh484.00.

Internationally, gold bullion was trading at $4,365.20, slightly above the crucial support level of $4,350. Additionally, U.S. Treasury yields declined across the board, reversing the spike following the Fed's unanimous decision to raise interest rates by a quarter-point on Wednesday. This decrease helped to alleviate some pressure on gold, which typically experiences a decline when yields rise as it does not provide interest income.

The decline in oil prices for three consecutive days was attributed to the resolution of potential supply disruptions in the Middle East, which would have added to inflationary pressures from energy costs. Saudi Arabia was working to restore a key pipeline to around half capacity within days, and some tankers were still navigating the Strait of Hormuz. As a result, gold regained momentum on Thursday, surpassing its 100-day moving average, a key indicator of price momentum.

However, gold remains significantly below its pre-war levels in late February, with a 20% drop. Despite recent easing, Dubai gold prices eased after reaching a high of Dh542 for 24-karat gold, while the Fed's outlook remained a significant factor in the market.