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Platinum price activated the bearish correctional track in Friday’s trading after hitting the barrier at $1305.00, to gather some of the gains by reaching $1215.00 achieving the suggested initial target.
The continuation of the main indicators contradiction makes us keep preferring the correctional track, which might target $1185.00 and $1162.00 level, while renewing the bullish attempts requires providing positive closes above $1275.00 level, to increase the chances for reaching new bullish stations.
The expected trading range for today is between $1185.00 and $1260.00
Trend forecast: Bearish
Gold price has briefly pulled back from fresh two-month highs reached just above $3,450 early Monday. All eyes remain on the deepening Israel and Iran conflict and trade headlines for fresh trading impetus.
The US Dollar (USD) seems to have regained its lost footing in Asian trading on Monday, starting a new week on the front across its major currency rivals amid sagging investors’ confidence, leading to the minor pullback in Gold price.
Intensifying Iranian missiles attacks on Israel over the weekend, which continues well into early Monday, remains a drag on risk sentiment even as markets try to take into their stride and divert their attention to the upcoming central banks’ policy announcements this week.
On Sunday, Israel and Iran launched fresh attacks on Sunday, raising concerns of a broader regional conflict, which could out trade under risks through the Strait of Hormuz.
Israel’s air force attacked surface-to-surface missile sites in central Iran.
Iran told mediators Qatar and Oman that it is not open to negotiating a ceasefire with the US while it is under Israeli attack.
Meanwhile, Reuters reported that Reuters US President Donald Trump had vetoed an Israeli plan in recent days to kill Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, citing two US officials.
Gold buyers also face exhaustion after rising as much as 4% in the previous week as a sense of caution seeps in ahead of the US Federal Reserve (Fed) policy verdict due later on Wednesday.
Markets continue to price in the first interest rate of this year to come in September, still expecting two 25 basis points (bps) rate cuts by year-end.
Dovish Fed expectations continue to lend support to bright metal alongside the Middle East geopolitical crisis, with markets awaiting fresh impetus for the next leg higher.
Monday’s Retail Sales and Industrial Production data from China failed to lift Gold price as the focus now remain on US Retail Sales and the Bank of Japan (BoJ) policy decision on Tuesday.
The BoJ policy announcements could fuel the USD/JPY pair-driven volatility in the Greenback, eventually impacting the USD-denominated Gold price.
Gold price has stalled its recent uptrend, having failed to close the week above the critical resistance near $3,440.
However, the bullish potential remains in place as the 14-day Relative Strength Index (RSI) stays comfortably above the midline, currently near 62.50.
The retreat from two-month highs of could meet initial demand at $3,400, below which the sellers could challenge the previous strong resistance now support at $3,377, the 23.6% Fibonacci Retracement (Fibo) level of the April record rally.
The next downside cushion will be aligned at the 21-day Simple Moving Average (SMA) at $3,336 if the $3,350 psychological barrier gives way.
On the upside, acceptance above the aforesaid static resistance at $3,440 is critical to resuming the advance toward the record highs of $3,500.
The two-month highs of $3,453 could test bearish commitments buyers regain poise.
Gold has played a key role in human’s history as it has been widely used as a store of value and medium of exchange. Currently, apart from its shine and usage for jewelry, the precious metal is widely seen as a safe-haven asset, meaning that it is considered a good investment during turbulent times. Gold is also widely seen as a hedge against inflation and against depreciating currencies as it doesn’t rely on any specific issuer or government.
Central banks are the biggest Gold holders. In their aim to support their currencies in turbulent times, central banks tend to diversify their reserves and buy Gold to improve the perceived strength of the economy and the currency. High Gold reserves can be a source of trust for a country’s solvency. Central banks added 1,136 tonnes of Gold worth around $70 billion to their reserves in 2022, according to data from the World Gold Council. This is the highest yearly purchase since records began. Central banks from emerging economies such as China, India and Turkey are quickly increasing their Gold reserves.
Gold has an inverse correlation with the US Dollar and US Treasuries, which are both major reserve and safe-haven assets. When the Dollar depreciates, Gold tends to rise, enabling investors and central banks to diversify their assets in turbulent times. Gold is also inversely correlated with risk assets. A rally in the stock market tends to weaken Gold price, while sell-offs in riskier markets tend to favor the precious metal.
The price can move due to a wide range of factors. Geopolitical instability or fears of a deep recession can quickly make Gold price escalate due to its safe-haven status. As a yield-less asset, Gold tends to rise with lower interest rates, while higher cost of money usually weighs down on the yellow metal. Still, most moves depend on how the US Dollar (USD) behaves as the asset is priced in dollars (XAU/USD). A strong Dollar tends to keep the price of Gold controlled, whereas a weaker Dollar is likely to push Gold prices up.
The Gold price (XAU/USD) attracts some buyers to near $3,445 during the early Asian session on Monday. The precious metal rises to over a one-month high due to escalating Middle East tensions and rising bets of a Federal Reserve (Fed) rate cut.
Investors ignored the upbeat US economic data released on Friday. Data released by the University of Michigan on Friday showed that the Consumer Sentiment Index rose to 60.5 in June versus 52.2 prior. This reading came in above the market consensus of 53.5.
Renewed geopolitical concerns in the Middle East following an Israeli attack on Iran continue to underpin the Gold price, a traditional safe-haven asset. Iranian officials underscored that they would “respond firmly to any adventurism” from Israel.
“Israel knocking out Iranian targets is causing a little bit of geopolitical scare in the market. Prices will stay elevated in anticipation of what is to come, the retaliation by Iran,” said Daniel Pavilonis, senior market strategist at RJO Futures.
The Fed is expected to leave its policy rate in the 4.25%-4.50% range at its June meeting on Wednesday. However, traders now expect a quarter-percentage-point rate cut by September. Before last week’s US inflation data, traders had expected the Fed to wait until December to deliver a second rate cut. Rising expectations of a Fed rate cut lift interest-bearing assets like Gold.
Gold has played a key role in human’s history as it has been widely used as a store of value and medium of exchange. Currently, apart from its shine and usage for jewelry, the precious metal is widely seen as a safe-haven asset, meaning that it is considered a good investment during turbulent times. Gold is also widely seen as a hedge against inflation and against depreciating currencies as it doesn’t rely on any specific issuer or government.
Central banks are the biggest Gold holders. In their aim to support their currencies in turbulent times, central banks tend to diversify their reserves and buy Gold to improve the perceived strength of the economy and the currency. High Gold reserves can be a source of trust for a country’s solvency. Central banks added 1,136 tonnes of Gold worth around $70 billion to their reserves in 2022, according to data from the World Gold Council. This is the highest yearly purchase since records began. Central banks from emerging economies such as China, India and Turkey are quickly increasing their Gold reserves.
Gold has an inverse correlation with the US Dollar and US Treasuries, which are both major reserve and safe-haven assets. When the Dollar depreciates, Gold tends to rise, enabling investors and central banks to diversify their assets in turbulent times. Gold is also inversely correlated with risk assets. A rally in the stock market tends to weaken Gold price, while sell-offs in riskier markets tend to favor the precious metal.
The price can move due to a wide range of factors. Geopolitical instability or fears of a deep recession can quickly make Gold price escalate due to its safe-haven status. As a yield-less asset, Gold tends to rise with lower interest rates, while higher cost of money usually weighs down on the yellow metal. Still, most moves depend on how the US Dollar (USD) behaves as the asset is priced in dollars (XAU/USD). A strong Dollar tends to keep the price of Gold controlled, whereas a weaker Dollar is likely to push Gold prices up.
June 15, 2025 – Written by Tim Boyer
STORY LINK Pound to Dollar Forecast: 40-Month Best, but “Room for Downside Correction”
The Pound to Dollar exchange rate (GBP/USD) jumped to a 40-month high just above 1.3630 late on Thursday as the dollar came under further pressure.
There was, however, a sharp retreat to lows near 1.3520 on Friday following Israel’s military strike on Iranian nuclear facilities before trading just below 1.3550.
There was renewed demand for safe-haven assets while the slide in risk appetite undermined the Pound in global markets.
According to ING, GBP/USD may be able to avoid sustained losses; “Cable has potentially a wide room for downside correction given how expensive it looks relative to rate differentials. But we have seen how structurally bearish USD bets are preventing dollar gains from being sustainable. So, we’d be more cautious on that side.”
UoB commented; “The likelihood of GBP closing above 1.3640 will remain intact as long as 1.3515 is not breached. Looking ahead, should GBP close above 1.3640, the focus will shift to 1.3700.”
A break below 1.3500 – 1.3515 would suggest a sharper correction.
MUFG noted the shift in trading dynamics; “In the FX market the initial response has been a flight to safety which has benefitted the Swiss franc, yen and US dollar.”
Commerzbank currency strategist Michael Pfister expects caution will prevail in the short term; “Until the danger of further escalation has passed, safe assets are likely to remain in demand.”
Danske Bank added; “The attack adds significant uncertainty to diplomacy, with US officials denying direct involvement while cautioning that it could either hinder or, unexpectedly, pressure Iran towards discussions.”
MUFG commented; “Market participants will now be watching closely to see how the conflict develops and whether it will have an actual disruptive impact on global supply chains including importantly the supply of oil.”
Rabobank discussed the potential implications; “the war between Israel and Iran, the likely involvement of the US and the possible involvement of other countries in the region, will take center stage today and in the coming days. Which scenario is going to develop?”
According to the bank; “The best-case scenario, which markets seem to be pricing in, is a short and fast operation that will deliver Israel and the US a major geopolitical victory. However, in terms of probability of this scenario unfolding, how easy is it is to take out an entire country with a relatively strong military in 24-48 hours?”
It added; “There are several escalation scenarios. The worst case is a long, drawn-out war that spreads to Hormuz and/or Saudi/UAE, and to global sites via proxies.”
The Pound is also liable to be hampered by reservations over the domestic economy and speculation over more dovish Bank of England guidance at next week’s policy meeting.
Danske Bank noted the weaker than expected GDP data released on Thursday; “The data yesterday follows weaker than expected labour market data out earlier this week and highlights that the UK economy is experiencing more underlying weakness following a strong start to the year.”
There are still doubts whether the dollar can gain sustained support.
Scotiabank commented; “The relative loss of investor appetite for U.S. assets is increasingly becoming a forecasting issue. Concerns about U.S. fiscal plan(s) have led to a rise in U.S. borrowing costs that have spread to other markets.”
Traders are also still very wary over tariff developments. President Trump stated that higher tariffs would be extended to domestic appliances.
According to ABN Amro; “The overall impact on the economy would not be favorable, and the repercussions for financial markets could be significantly worse. This reputational damage has arguably been a major factor driving the dollar’s devaluation in recent months.
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June 15, 2025 – Written by Frank Davies
STORY LINK Euro to Dollar Forecast: 1.16 by 2026, 1.20 by 2027 say Investment Bank
Commerzbank forecasts that the Euro to Dollar exchange rate (EUR/USD) will advance to 1.16 at the end of this year and 1.20 by the end of 2026.
Morgan Stanley expects stronger EUR/USD gains to 1.25 by the second quarter of 2026.
The dollar was subjected to renewed selling during the week with the currency index sliding to the lowest level since February 2022. In this environment, EUR/USD surged to 43-month highs above 1.16.
The US currency did secure a reprieve late in the week as risk appetite dipped and oil prices surged after Israel attacked Iran’s nuclear facilities. EUR/USD retreated to near 1.15, but with strong buying on dips.
ING expects caution will prevail initially; “The key difference from previous Israel-Iran standoffs is that nuclear facilities have now been targeted, and while oil production does not seem to be affected just yet, markets have to add in a bigger risk premium given the crucial role of Iran in global oil supply.”
The latest US inflation data was weaker than expected with core consumer prices increasing 0.1% in May with the year-on-year increase held at 2.8%.
Markets remain confident that the Federal Reserve will not cut interest rates at this week’s meeting, but with greater confidence in significant cuts later in the year.
According to Commerzbank; “While it is unlikely that Trump will dismiss Fed Chair Powell before the end of his term, he may nominate a Fed chairman more in line with his views next year.”
Markets are still fretting over the impact of tariffs and tensions will increase during the reminder of June.
Aviva Investors senior economist Vasileios Gkionakis noted the structural concerns as investors fret about persistent fiscal deficits, weakening foreign demand for government debt, and institutional uncertainty.
He added; “The US has been enjoying a significant privilege for decades. This is now shifting, with the US likely to run large fiscal deficits for years and against a backdrop of an extended net international investment position.”
ABN looked at multiple risks contained in the proposed Budget Bill.
According to the bank; “The overall impact on the economy would not be favorable, and the repercussions for financial markets could be significantly worse. This reputational damage has arguably been a major factor driving the dollar’s devaluation in recent months.”
Morgan Stanley commented; “We think that this weakening trend continues, and we now forecast the DXY to fall an additional 9% over the next 12 months to 91, with USD weakness most pronounced against its safe-haven peers – EUR, JPY, and CHF.”
Investment banks also see scope for further inflows into the Euro area.
BNP Paribas has calculated that if Dutch and Danish pension funds reduce dollar exposure to 2015 levels as a share of total assets under management, they have a further $217 billion to sell.
HSBC added; “Dutch pension funds are the largest in the EU and their investment behaviour often indicates broader European investment flows. If European investors continue to increase FX hedge ratios, it will likely provide further support to EUR-USD.”
BNP also agrees that ECB policy is close to turning and is positive on the Euro; “Our analysis suggests there is much more still to come.” It maintains a EUR/USD target of $1.20.
Commerzbank noted; “our economists expect the German fiscal package to provide a significant boost in the coming year. After many years of struggling, this should encourage investors to take a closer look at the euro area again, which should benefit the euro.”
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I wrote on 8th June that the best trades for the week would be:
The overall win of 0.78% equals a loss of 0.26% per asset.
Last week was basically mildly risk-on, with stock markets rising and the US Dollar falling on more positive than expected US inflation, PPI and consumer sentiment data. However, all that changed in the early hours of Friday in the Middle East as news broke of a very strong Israeli strike on Iran’s key military figures and its nuclear materials and scientists. This sent markets into a risk-off direction.
The Israeli strike has led to what could be described as all-out war between Israel and Iran, with Iran firing powerful ballistic missiles at Israeli population centers, and Israel in turn hitting hard at the military, the nuclear program, and increasingly at Iranian oil facilities.
This war has been long awaited, and it seems clear that the Israeli attack was acquiesced in by the Americans, who so far at least are not helping with offensive actions, although they are likely assisting in Israel’s strong antimissile defense, which is continuing to intercept over 90% of projectiles. However, the missiles which get through cause serious damage and fatalities, although at a level the Israeli public can probably accept, at least for a few more days or weeks.
It seems clear that the Iranian regime and nuclear program is in serious jeopardy, the nuclear program more so, and Iran has a limited supply of perhaps 2,000 ballistic missiles that it may not be able to replenish. The big question is whether the Americans will join in the drive to destroy Iran’s nuclear program, or whether Iran might sue for a negotiated settlement that would be acceptable to the USA.
The progress of the resolution of these questions is likely to be the major factor influencing markets over the coming week, but there are also major central bank meetings that could impact several G7 currencies.
Last week’s most important data releases were:
The coming week has some very high-impact data releases, including policy meetings at four major central banks, which can significantly affect the Forex market.
This week’s important data points, in order of likely importance, are:
The most impactful events on the Forex market will likely be the top five items.
The comments from the central banks will be closely watched, and the only rate change that is widely expected to happen will be at the SNB, which is likely to be cut by 0.25%.
Thursday is a public holiday in the USA and New Zealand.
For the month of June 2025, I forecasted that the EUR/USD currency pair would increase in value. The performance of this forecast so far is:
As there were no unusually large price movements in Forex currency crosses over the past week, I make no weekly forecast.
The Euro was the strongest major currency last week, while the US Dollar was the weakest. Volatility increased last week, with 26% of the most important Forex currency pairs and crosses changing in value by more than 1%. Next week’s volatility is likely to be higher as we will get several major central bank policy releases.
You can trade these forecasts in a real or demo Forex brokerage account.
Last week, the US Dollar Index printed a bearish candlestick which made the lowest weekly close since February 2022. There is clearly a long-term bearish trend in the US Dollar. Bulls have two reasons to hope for higher prices though:
I think it makes sense to be trading in line with the long-term trend which will be short of the greenback, but only after the price has either got established below the support level at 97.67, or alternatively if the price is rejecting a key resistance level above, but the latter scenario is extremely unlikely to play out this week.
The EUR/USD currency pair reached a new 3.5 year high last week, well above the big round number at $1.1500, before giving back some gains on Friday as news emerged of the outbreak of war between Israel and Iran. The Euro was the strongest major currency last week while the US Dollar was the weakest.
A minor factor against bulls is that the resistance level at $1.1569 has continued to hold.
It seems unlikely that even if the war escalates, that the US Dollar will gain strongly, so I have faith in the long-term bullish trend here. This currency pair has an excellent record of respecting the long-term trend, so I am happy to be long here over the coming week.
Gold in US Dollar terms made its highest ever daily close last Friday, but only by a very small amount. This is basically bullish, but looking at the daily chart below, you could say that the price action is only testing a triple top.
The primary precious metal got a boost Friday from the outbreak of war between Israel and Iran, which triggered a flight into safe havens, although not an especially strong one.
It seems unlikely that the war will end any time soon, and there has been a strongly bullish long-term trend for a long time, so being long of Gold over this week will probably be a good bet.
More cautious traders might want to wait for another bullish breakout, maybe even above the record high just below $3,500.
Silver in US Dollar terms again reached a new thirteen-year high last week, above $36 per ounce, but a look at the weekly candlestick shows that it is a doji, which typically signifies indecision. Nevertheless, there is a clearly strong bullish trend in precious metals generally, although silver was rising even before Gold made its major upwards movement.
I am not strongly optimistic that Silver will rise further this week, but it seems more likely to rise than fall.
More cautious traders might want to wait for a new long-term high to be reached, or at least a strong daily close, before entering a new long trade here.
Looking at the daily price chart for WTI Crude Oil below, a lot of interesting and bullish things can be seen:
Of course, crude oil got a major boost Friday as news emerged of what is frankly the outbreak of all-out war between Israel and Iran. This long-anticipated hot conflict outbreak has dramatically pushed up the price of crude oil, as can be seen in Friday’s candlestick. However, bulls might want to beware the large upper wick as crude oil gave up some of its gains later in the day.
There is despite the potential blow-off top another reason to be even more bullish: since markets closed Friday, Israel has begun hitting Iranian energy targets, trying to establish an equation between deliberate Iranian fire on Israeli population centers and the destruction of Iran’s oil production capability.
I think Crude Oil is likely to rise over the coming week, although if a diplomatic solution to the war is found soon – which seems very unlikely – the price would drop dramatically.
I prefer to wait for a new 6-month high close before going long of WTI Crude Oil, so I will only enter a new long trade after a daily close above $80.43.
I see the best trades this week as:
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WTI crude oil is surging amid escalating geopolitical tensions, with Israel’s recent strikes on Iran fueling a rally that pushed prices above the $74.00 handle on Friday. At the time of writing, WTI is trading just below $72.00 after Iran responded with its own missile barrage, marking a near 20% gain for June and reversing much of the weakness observed earlier this year.
Despite broad-based pressure in the first half of 2025, the recent price surge has lifted WTI back above several key technical levels, with bullish momentum building across multiple timeframes.
From a longer-term perspective, WTI has reclaimed the 12-month Simple Moving Average (SMA), currently sitting at $69.46. This level now serves as dynamic support. Above, resistance is forming at the 23.6% Fibonacci retracement of the March 2022 high to the April 2025 low, located at $71.71.
WTI Oil Monthly Chart
On the weekly chart, WTI broke above the 12-week SMA at $63.29 following the Iran-Israel escalation, marking a pivotal shift in sentiment. This surge has brought prices up to the 78.6% Fibonacci retracement of the January–April decline at $74.11. The 12-week SMA continues to offer support near $63.31, underlining a strong base for bulls.
WTI Oil Weekly Chart
Zooming into the daily chart, Friday’s bullish momentum drove a decisive move above both the 100-day and 200-day SMAs, strengthening the case for further upside. Technical confluence with long-term Fibonacci levels adds credibility to the breakout.
The Relative Strength Index (RSI) on the daily timeframe currently sits at 76, signaling overbought conditions. However, with the geopolitical backdrop intensifying, fundamental support may ultimately prevail over short-term exhaustion.
WTI Oil Daily Chart
If WTI breaks and holds above $74.11 early next week, momentum could carry it toward $76.00 and eventually $78.00. Conversely, failure to maintain levels above $71.71 may trigger a retracement, especially if geopolitical tensions ease or if market focus returns to demand-side concerns.
The US dollar is sitting on a confluence of support that extends over a decade. It’s a must-see level that could affect the entire forex market in the weeks ahead.
Watch today’s video for all of the details, including how I’m trading the DXY, EURUSD, GBPUSD, USDJPY, and XAUUSD.
The DXY broke down last week, finally offering a thorough retest of 97.70. In previous videos, I’ve discussed how the index didn’t quite test the level in April, which left it open as a potential target.
Buyers stepped in on Friday to close the intraweek gap at 98.58. The DXY retreated after the gap closed but remains above 97.70 as we enter next week.
Another critical factor for the US dollar is the ascending channel from 2011. Although it’s difficult to pinpoint the exact placement on the daily time frame, the 14-year channel support is near 97.70.
That makes the next few weeks critical for the DXY. We either get a significant macro bottom developing in the 97.70 region, or the USD is heading much lower this year.
As always, it’s essential not to get ahead of ourselves. Until the DXY can break its 2025 trend line resistance or break below its 97.70 support, the US dollar will remain range-bound.
EURUSD broke above key resistance at 1.1530 on Thursday, flipping the level to new support during Friday’s session.
As we’d expect, bulls stepped in to defend the area before the weekend. However, EURUSD faces its most significant test in weeks as the DXY bounces from the 97.70 region.
With that said, a EURUSD bearish reversal can only take place if the pair closes back below the 1.1530 region. It will also need to occur on higher time frames, such as the daily and weekly charts.
Keep in mind that the March trend line at 1.1440 is also incredibly significant. The euro bounced from this level several times in May and June, so it’s one to watch.
Key resistance is 1.1660, with 1.1530 as support. As mentioned above, if EURUSD loses the 1.1530 support level, it will open up downside targets, including 1.1440, and potentially lower.

GBPUSD refuses to back down from 1.3630 despite showing a nearly identical pattern to the 2024 top.
As discussed in recent videos, the current (potential) rising wedge resembles the 2024 price action before GBPUSD topped out. The RSI is also showing early signs of bearish divergence.
Simultaneously, the DXY is testing the confluence of support I shared above.
But despite these bearish factors, GBPUSD hasn’t confirmed a breakdown. For that to occur, areas like 1.3530 will need to break, along with the more significant 1.3430 support level.
Until then, GBPUSD is range-bound between 1.3430 support and 1.3630 resistance.

I touched on USDJPY in last week’s forecast. And although the pair hasn’t done much to confirm my ideal setup, it also hasn’t invalidated it.
My ideal scenario for USDJPY starts with the Yen Basket we discussed last time. Currently, the chart is holding above its 2020 trend line support, but a weekly close below could introduce significant yen weakness.
At the same time, USDJPY has to claw its way back above 145.40 on the high time frames. If the two charts satisfy these requirements simultaneously, we should have a highly probable USDJPY long to work with.
Until then, I’m not interested in USDJPY, given the choppiness since May.

Gold broke out from a bull flag on June 2nd and tested prior resistance as new support on the 9th. That retest triggered last week’s rally, which fell just short of breaking the $3,430 resistance area.
If gold bulls can break $3,430 next week, the next stop could be an all-time high above $3,500. XAUUSD is clearly benefiting from the multitude of global risks and uncertainties.
Above $3,500 it’s anyone’s guess, as gold will once again enter price discovery. However, as $3,500 became a factor, I’d be willing to bet that $4,000 would become a target and potential resistance if visited.

Silver price bounced off five-day lows of $35.46 and is climbing past the $36.00 mark on Thursday as the Greenback gets battered, falling to nearly three-year lows. At the time of writing, XAG/USD trades at $36.30, registering modest gains of 0.25% on Thursday, late in the North American session.
As Thursday’s session finishes, Silver’s uptrend appears likely to continue, with a single candlestick pattern –known as a ‘hammer’– forming in the chart. This suggests that XAG/USD could re-test the June 9 swing high at $36.88 before buyers set their sights on higher prices.
The Relative Strength Index (RSI) exited from overbought territory but, instead of aiming lower, remains flat. Therefore, the path of least resistance is tilted to the upside.
The first key resistance is the year-to-date (YTD) high, followed by the $37.00 figure. Once cleared, the next stop would be $37.49, a 13-year high set on February 29.
Conversely, if XAG/USD drops below $36.00, the first support level would be $35.40, a high from October 2012 that has since become a support level. Once surpassed, the next stop is $35.00, followed by the $34.00 and $33.00 figures,
Silver is a precious metal highly traded among investors. It has been historically used as a store of value and a medium of exchange. Although less popular than Gold, traders may turn to Silver to diversify their investment portfolio, for its intrinsic value or as a potential hedge during high-inflation periods. Investors can buy physical Silver, in coins or in bars, or trade it through vehicles such as Exchange Traded Funds, which track its price on international markets.
Silver prices can move due to a wide range of factors. Geopolitical instability or fears of a deep recession can make Silver price escalate due to its safe-haven status, although to a lesser extent than Gold’s. As a yieldless asset, Silver tends to rise with lower interest rates. Its moves also depend on how the US Dollar (USD) behaves as the asset is priced in dollars (XAG/USD). A strong Dollar tends to keep the price of Silver at bay, whereas a weaker Dollar is likely to propel prices up. Other factors such as investment demand, mining supply – Silver is much more abundant than Gold – and recycling rates can also affect prices.
Silver is widely used in industry, particularly in sectors such as electronics or solar energy, as it has one of the highest electric conductivity of all metals – more than Copper and Gold. A surge in demand can increase prices, while a decline tends to lower them. Dynamics in the US, Chinese and Indian economies can also contribute to price swings: for the US and particularly China, their big industrial sectors use Silver in various processes; in India, consumers’ demand for the precious metal for jewellery also plays a key role in setting prices.
Silver prices tend to follow Gold’s moves. When Gold prices rise, Silver typically follows suit, as their status as safe-haven assets is similar. The Gold/Silver ratio, which shows the number of ounces of Silver needed to equal the value of one ounce of Gold, may help to determine the relative valuation between both metals. Some investors may consider a high ratio as an indicator that Silver is undervalued, or Gold is overvalued. On the contrary, a low ratio might suggest that Gold is undervalued relative to Silver.
The latest developments come as Israel reportedly targeted Iran’s nuclear sites and senior military commanders, prompting retaliatory drone attacks from Iran. According to Israel’s military, over 100 drones were launched by Iran in response. The rising instability has rattled global markets, increased investor anxiety, and sent gold prices to their highest level in nearly two months, signaling a classic flight to safety.
The benchmark Brent crude price surged over 10% shortly after Israel confirmed the attack, climbing to levels not seen since January. As European markets opened, prices cooled slightly but still held a 5% gain compared to Thursday, trading around $72.80 per barrel. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) also rose, trading at $73.20.
Although prices remain well below the $100-plus highs seen during Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, traders are now pricing in potential threats to vital supply routes and oil facilities across the region. The Middle East is home to a significant share of global oil production, and any conflict that puts that at risk sends shockwaves through the market.
Yes, energy analysts are warning that this conflict, if it escalates, could disrupt oil flows—especially if Iran targets infrastructure or shipping routes like the Strait of Hormuz. This narrow waterway is one of the most critical chokepoints for global energy supplies, with nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil passing through it daily. According to Saul Kavonic, head of energy research at MST Financial, “What we see now is a very initial risk-on reaction. But over the next day or two, the market will need to factor in where this could escalate to.” Capital Economics analysts say if Iranian production or export facilities are hit, Brent crude could rise to $80–$100 per barrel, depending on the scale of the disruption. However, they also suggest that higher prices could trigger increased output from other oil-producing nations, which might limit the long-term impact.
The rising oil prices triggered widespread uncertainty across financial markets. Stock markets across Asia and Europe declined, with Japan’s Nikkei closing down 0.9% and the UK’s FTSE 100 index falling 0.4% by mid-morning.
At the same time, “safe-haven assets” like gold and the Swiss franc gained sharply. The gold price jumped 1.2% to hit $3,423.30 an ounce, marking its highest level in nearly two months.
These moves reflect growing investor concern that this latest round of violence could spiral into a wider regional conflict, with unpredictable effects on global inflation and energy supply.
It’s still unclear whether this spike in crude prices will immediately impact prices at the pump. According to Rod Dennis from the UK’s RAC motoring group, it’s “too soon” to say.
He added that “there are two key factors at play: whether higher wholesale fuel prices are sustained over the coming days and, crucially, the sort of margin retailers decide to take.”
If the conflict continues or worsens, consumers could feel the pinch in the form of higher petrol and diesel prices, especially if disruptions reach the Strait of Hormuz. Rising fuel costs also feed into higher transportation and food prices, which could affect inflation worldwide.
Analysts are warning that the current situation could either calm quickly—or spiral into a broader war. Vandana Hari of Vanda Insights told the BBC, “It’s an explosive situation, albeit one that could be defused quickly, as we saw in April and October last year.”
However, she also warned, “It could also spiral out into a bigger war that disrupts Mideast oil supply.”
If Iran’s oil infrastructure or shipping routes come under serious threat, the global energy market could face a major crisis. With multiple countries relying heavily on oil shipped from the Gulf, any major conflict could send shockwaves far beyond the region.
Oil traders and analysts will now be closely watching political and military developments. Key questions include whether Iran escalates its response, if other regional powers become involved, and how the U.S. and allies react. At the same time, OPEC and major producers may be forced to consider output changes to stabilize markets.
As the situation unfolds, the global economy faces rising uncertainty—not just over oil, but over inflation, market stability, and energy security.
Q1: Why did global oil prices surge after Israel’s strike on Iran?
Oil prices jumped due to fears that the Israel-Iran conflict could disrupt key Middle East oil supplies.
Q2: Could the Strait of Hormuz be affected by this conflict?
Yes, if tensions rise, Iran might block or disrupt oil flow through the crucial Strait of Hormuz.