Gold Prices Steady at US$ 4,503 Amid Mideast Tensions 📈

• Market Status: Spot gold held steady at US$ 4,503.29 per ounce as investors weigh a U.S. 15-point ceasefire proposal against threats of further military escalation. • Economic Context: Safe-haven demand remains cautious. While crude oil surged above US$ 100 a barrel due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, rising inflationary pressure is being offset by high interest rates. • Interest Rate Outlook: Markets have pivoted significantly, now pricing in zero rate cuts from the Federal Reserve for 2026, a shift from previous expectations of at least two cuts. • Impact on Sri Lanka: As a net importer of oil and a country sensitive to global gold prices and USD interest rates, the halt in Fed easing and high energy costs may pressure the external sector and cost of living. • Other Precious Metals: - Silver: Down 0.1% to US$ 71.19 - Platinum: Down 0.7% to US$ 1,906.90 - Palladium: Down 1.4% to US$ 1,404 _Data based on Reuters reports as of March 26, 2026._