Gold prices fell on Thursday as the escalating Middle East conflict showed no signs of abating, erasing ​recent optimism over easing inflation and fuelling concerns that surging oil prices could lead to interest rate hikes. Spot ​gold was ​down 0.6% at $4,034.42 per ounce by 0349 GMT. U.S. gold futures for August delivery lost 0.3% to $4,039.90. "Gold is declining as the escalating attacks in the ⁠Middle East continue to push oil prices sharply higher this week, keeping concerns about inflation alive," said Jigar Trivedi, a senior research analyst at IndusInd Securities. Oil prices extended gains to a fourth session ... (full story)