Gold prices fell by 2% to approximately $4,650 per ounce after U.S. President Donald Trump ordered a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. According to Jin10, this decision came after peace talks between the U.S. and Iran failed over the weekend in Pakistan, unable to convert a fragile ceasefire into lasting peace following six weeks of conflict in the Middle East. The surge in energy prices has heightened inflation risks, increasing the likelihood that central banks may delay rate cuts or even raise rates. This development poses a bearish factor for non-yielding gold, which typically benefits when borrowing costs are lower.