Gold heads for worst quarter in more than a decade as retail frenzy fades

Gold prices are on track for their worst quarterly performance in over a decade, according to coverage from *Financial Times* and *CNBC*. The decline follows a sharp drop in retail investor demand, which had previously driven prices higher. Analysts cite escalating U.S.-Iran tensions as a key factor stoking inflation fears, while the Federal Reserve’s hawkish stance on interest rates is also pressuring the commodity’s value.

Coverage emphasizes the dual impact of geopolitical uncertainty and monetary policy on gold’s trajectory. *Bloomberg* and *CNBC* highlight how rising inflation expectations—fueled by tensions in the Middle East—could prompt further Fed rate hikes, making non-yielding assets like gold less attractive. Meanwhile, *Yahoo Finance* notes the metal’s volatility ahead of key economic data, such as the June jobs report, which could influence short-term movements. Watch for further reactions to U.S. economic indicators and Fed communications, as these will determine whether gold’s downward trend continues or stabilizes.

The market’s sensitivity to geopolitical developments also warrants attention, particularly if tensions between the U.S. and Iran escalate further.