Gold Surges as Middle East Conflict Escalates, Safe-Haven Assets Rally
Gold prices jumped 2.4% to $5,406/oz following US-Israel strikes on Iran, marking a 25% YTD gain as investors fled to safety. The assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader triggered retaliatory missile strikes across the Middle East, with Tehran vowing no negotiations with Washington.
Commodities rallied broadly - oil spiked 18% on potential Hormuz disruptions while silver and platinum followed gold's ascent. Technical analysts now eye $5,595 and $6,000 as next resistance levels for bullion.
Crypto markets showed muted reaction despite traditional safe-haven flows, with bitcoin holding $63K support. The conflict's escalation risks prompting capital rotation from equities into hard assets and defensive positions.