In a single day, $XAU/USD(XAUUSD.FOREX)$ surrendered the $4,500, $4,400, $4,300, $4,200, and $4,100 levels in rapid succession. After hitting a record high of $5,589 this January, gold prices plummeted to approximately $4,100 in less than two months—a 26.6% peak-to-trough retracement. This marks the most catastrophic monthly decline in 43 years. However, prices managed to claw back to $4,400 during pre-market trading. As the U.S.-Iran conflict enters its third week, the blockage of the Strait of Hormuz has sent oil prices soaring over 40%. With inflation fears reignited, the Fed has narrowed its 2026 rate-cut expectations to just one. The US Dollar Index (DXY) has breached the 100 mark, exerting massive pressure on precious and base metals