XAU — Gold holds above $4,050/oz as traders weigh geopolitics against Fed policy

Gold prices ended the week at $4,054 per ounce, posting modest gains as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and rising energy costs provided support. However, the metal's upside is capped by persistent expectations that the US Federal Reserve will maintain high interest rates for an extended period. Investors are balancing the safe-haven appeal of gold against the stronger dollar and higher bond yields that typically accompany a hawkish monetary stance.