Gold prices are broadly flat as European trading gets underway, with the precious metal sitting just above $4,700. Since its sharp decline in mid-March, the average price of gold has remained close to current levels, suggesting a period of consolidation driven by opposing market forces. On one hand, ongoing geopolitical and economic uncertainty continues to support demand for gold as a safe-haven asset. On the other, the war between the US and Iran has pushed energy costs higher, adding to inflationary pressures and shifting expectations regarding central banks’ monetary policy. Investors now expect the Federal ... (full story)