Metals

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Gold in Positive Territory: External Backdrop Remains Supportive

The price of gold rose to 4,800 USD per troy ounce on Wednesday, with the local trend gaining strength. The precious metal is supported by expectations of a possible agreement between the US and Iran, which would reduce the risks of an energy-driven inflationary shock.

Press reports indicate that Washington and Tehran are working to organise a new round of negotiations following the breakdown in dialogue over the weekend. At the same time, the US is maintaining a naval blockade of Iranian oil supplies through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran is reportedly considering temporarily suspending exports via this route to advance negotiations.

An additional supporting factor is the decline in oil prices below 90.00 USD per barrel and the weakening of the US dollar to six-week lows. Both developments traditionally boost demand for gold.

Markets are also revising their monetary policy expectations. The Federal Reserve is adopting a wait-and-see approach when assessing inflation risks, which is reducing pressure on precious metals.

Technical Analysis

On the H4 XAU/USD chart, the market is forming a consolidation range around the 4,772 USD level. An upside breakout would open potential for a correction to 4,903 USD. A downside breakout could see the beginning of a downward wave to 4,460 USD. The MACD indicator confirms the current upward momentum, with its signal line above the centre line and pointing firmly upwards.

On the H1 chart, the market has broken above the 4,775 USD level and completed a wave to 4,868 USD. A correction to the 4,775 USD level (testing from above) is likely, followed by a possible rise to 4,903 USD. The Stochastic oscillator supports this scenario, with its signal line remaining below the 20 level and showing upward pressure towards 80.

Conclusion

Gold is trading in positive territory as hopes for a renewed US-Iran negotiation effort ease concerns over an energy-driven inflationary shock. The combination of falling oil prices (below 90.00 USD per barrel), a weaker dollar (at six-week lows), and the Fed’s patient stance on inflation risks has created a supportive environment for the precious metal. While the US maintains a naval blockade and Iran considers suspending exports to advance talks, the market is cautiously optimistic. Technical indicators suggest further upside potential towards 4,903 USD, although any setbacks in diplomatic efforts could quickly reverse the current momentum.

Disclaimer

Any forecasts contained herein are based on the author’s particular opinion. This analysis may not be treated as trading advice. RoboForex bears no responsibility for trading results based on trading recommendations and reviews contained herein.

Financial News Metals

12 Apr

COT Metals Charts: Speculator Platinum Bets rise for 7th out of last 8 weeks

By InvestMacro

Open Interest (OI) is the amount of contracts that are currently live in the marketplace. OI Strength shows the current strength compared to the past 3-years.

Here are the latest charts and statistics for the Commitment of Traders (COT) data published by the Commodities Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).

The latest COT data is updated through Tuesday April 7thand shows a quick view of how large traders (for-profit speculators and commercial entities) were positioned in the futures markets.

Weekly Speculator Changes led by Platinum & Steel

The COT metals markets speculator bets were mixed this week as three out of the six metals markets we cover had higher positioning while the other three markets had lower speculator contracts.

Leading the gains for the metals was Platinum (1,701 contracts) with Steel (420 contracts) and Copper (123 contracts) also showing positive weeks.

The markets with declines in speculator bets for the week were Gold (-6,897 contracts), Silver (-487 contracts) and with Palladium (-343 contracts) also seeing lower bets on the week.

Platinum Bets rise for 7th out of last 8 weeks

Highlighting the Metals market speculative positions this week was Platinum, which saw speculator bets rise higher for a second straight week as well as the seventh time out of the past eight weeks. Platinum bets have now risen to a net standing of over +18,000 contracts, and this week’s level marks the most bullish position of the past 13 weeks dating back to January 6th. The Platinum positioning has now been above +10,000 net contracts for 47 consecutive weeks, dating back to May 13th of 2025.

Gold positions fell this week for the second consecutive week and for the third time out of the last four weeks. Gold speculator positioning has cooled off significantly since January, when the net position was a total of 251,238 contracts on January 13th to this week’s standing of 156,305 contracts, a difference of -94,933 contracts being subtracted from the overall net bullish position. The Gold position has now had less than +200,000 contracts for 10 straight weeks, and this week marked the lowest level of bullish net contracts since February 2024.

The Metals Markets’ price performance was higher across the board.

In the metals markets, prices were higher across the board as a ceasefire in the Iran war seemed to give relief to the metals’ recent price slides. Silver was the biggest winner on the week with a 6.17% gain while Copper came in second with a 4.65% rise for the week. Platinum was a close third with a 4.24% gain. Gold was higher by 2.65%, followed by Steel, which got a boost of 2.34%, and then Palladium rounded out the gainers with a 2.12% increase for the week.

Metals Data:

Legend: Weekly Speculators Change | Speculators Current Net Position | Speculators Strength Score compared to last 3-Years (0-100 range)

Strength Scores led by Steel & Palladium

COT Strength Scores (a normalized measure of Speculator positions over a 3-Year range, from 0 to 100 where above 80 is Extreme-Bullish and below 20 is Extreme-Bearish) showed that Steel (85 percent) and Palladium (83 percent) lead the metals markets this week. Copper (71 percent) comes in as the next highest in the weekly strength scores.

On the downside, Silver (26 percent) and Gold (35 percent) come in at the lowest strength level currently.

Strength Statistics:
Gold (34.8 percent) vs Gold previous week (37.6 percent)
Silver (26.2 percent) vs Silver previous week (27.0 percent)
Copper (70.7 percent) vs Copper previous week (70.6 percent)
Platinum (56.1 percent) vs Platinum previous week (51.9 percent)
Palladium (82.7 percent) vs Palladium previous week (85.0 percent)
Steel (85.3 percent) vs Steel previous week (83.4 percent)

Platinum & Silver top the 6-Week Strength Trends

COT Strength Score Trends (or move index, calculates the 6-week changes in strength scores) showed that Platinum (12 percent) and Silver (2 percent) lead the past six weeks trends for metals.

Copper (-17 percent) leads the downside trend scores currently with Palladium (-14 percent) as the next market with lower trend scores.

Move Statistics:
Gold (-1.2 percent) vs Gold previous week (1.3 percent)
Silver (2.0 percent) vs Silver previous week (-0.2 percent)
Copper (-17.0 percent) vs Copper previous week (-17.9 percent)
Platinum (12.0 percent) vs Platinum previous week (10.0 percent)
Palladium (-13.6 percent) vs Palladium previous week (-10.2 percent)
Steel (-2.3 percent) vs Steel previous week (-3.8 percent)

Individual Markets:

Gold Comex Futures Futures:

Positioning Notes:

Gold Comex Futures large speculator standing this week was a net position of 156,305 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday.
Weekly Speculator position fall of -6,897 contracts from the previous week which had a total of 163,202 net contracts.
This week’s current strength score (range over the past 3 years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bearish with a score of 34.8 percent.
The Commercials are Bullish with a score of 58.6 percent.
The Small Traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish with a score of 75.4 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Uptrend

Our weekly trend-following model classifies the current market price position as: Uptrend.

Gold Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	57.9	16.3	13.8
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	13.8	70.9	3.3
– Net Position:	156,305	-193,751	37,446
– Gross Longs:	205,368	57,729	49,117
– Gross Shorts:	49,063	251,480	11,671
– Long to Short Ratio:	4.2 to 1	0.2 to 1	4.2 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	34.8	58.6	75.4
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bearish	Bullish	Bullish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	-1.2	2.8	-12.2

Silver Comex Futures Futures:

Positioning Notes:

Silver Comex Futures large speculator standing this week was a net position of 23,417 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday.
Weekly Speculator position decrease of -487 contracts from the previous week which had a total of 23,904 net contracts.
This week’s current strength score (range over the past 3 years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bearish with a score of 26.2 percent.
The Commercials are Bullish with a score of 75.0 percent.
The Small Traders (not shown in chart) are Bearish with a score of 38.0 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Weak Uptrend

Our weekly trend-following model classifies the current market price position as: Weak Uptrend.

Silver Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	28.5	24.5	21.6
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	8.2	58.3	8.2
– Net Position:	23,417	-38,915	15,498
– Gross Longs:	32,810	28,211	24,908
– Gross Shorts:	9,393	67,126	9,410
– Long to Short Ratio:	3.5 to 1	0.4 to 1	2.6 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	26.2	75.0	38.0
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bearish	Bullish	Bearish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	2.0	3.5	-18.4

Copper Grade #1 Futures Futures:

Positioning Notes:

Copper Grade #1 Futures large speculator standing this week was a net position of 40,227 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday.
Weekly Speculator position increase of 123 contracts from the previous week which had a total of 40,104 net contracts.
This week’s current strength score (range over the past 3 years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bullish with a score of 70.7 percent.
The Commercials are Bearish with a score of 26.0 percent.
The Small Traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish with a score of 73.1 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Uptrend

Our weekly trend-following model classifies the current market price position as: Uptrend.

Copper Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	32.3	37.4	9.2
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	14.4	60.4	4.1
– Net Position:	40,227	-51,615	11,388
– Gross Longs:	72,637	84,019	20,588
– Gross Shorts:	32,410	135,634	9,200
– Long to Short Ratio:	2.2 to 1	0.6 to 1	2.2 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	70.7	26.0	73.1
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bullish	Bearish	Bullish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	-17.0	17.9	-13.0

Platinum Futures Futures:

Positioning Notes:

Platinum Futures large speculator standing this week was a net position of 18,038 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday.
Weekly Speculator position boost of 1,701 contracts from the previous week which had a total of 16,337 net contracts.
This week’s current strength score (range over the past 3 years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bullish with a score of 56.1 percent.
The Commercials are Bearish with a score of 47.1 percent.
The Small Traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish with a score of 56.1 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Weak Uptrend

Our weekly trend-following model classifies the current market price position as: Weak Uptrend.

Platinum Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	45.5	29.0	12.9
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	15.4	67.5	4.6
– Net Position:	18,038	-23,034	4,996
– Gross Longs:	27,259	17,393	7,735
– Gross Shorts:	9,221	40,427	2,739
– Long to Short Ratio:	3.0 to 1	0.4 to 1	2.8 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	56.1	47.1	56.1
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bullish	Bearish	Bullish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	12.0	-8.8	-15.8

Palladium Futures Futures:

Positioning Notes:

Palladium Futures large speculator standing this week was a net position of -1,393 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday.
Weekly Speculator position fall of -343 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -1,050 net contracts.
This week’s current strength score (range over the past 3 years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bullish-Extreme with a score of 82.7 percent.
The Commercials are Bearish-Extreme with a score of 20.0 percent.
The Small Traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish with a score of 55.3 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Strong Downtrend

Our weekly trend-following model classifies the current market price position as: Strong Downtrend.

Palladium Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	43.8	37.2	14.7
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	53.0	34.8	8.0
– Net Position:	-1,393	375	1,018
– Gross Longs:	6,655	5,655	2,228
– Gross Shorts:	8,048	5,280	1,210
– Long to Short Ratio:	0.8 to 1	1.1 to 1	1.8 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	82.7	20.0	55.3
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bullish-Extreme	Bearish-Extreme	Bullish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	-13.6	13.0	-2.6

Steel Futures Futures:

Positioning Notes:

Steel Futures large speculator standing this week was a net position of 11,338 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday.
Weekly Speculator position advance of 420 contracts from the previous week which had a total of 10,918 net contracts.
This week’s current strength score (range over the past 3 years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bullish-Extreme with a score of 85.3 percent.
The Commercials are Bearish-Extreme with a score of 14.7 percent.
The Small Traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish-Extreme with a score of 86.7 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Strong Uptrend

Our weekly trend-following model classifies the current market price position as: Strong Uptrend.

Steel Futures Statistics	SPECULATORS	COMMERCIALS	SMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:	34.3	61.7	1.3
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:	2.2	94.9	0.2
– Net Position:	11,338	-11,727	389
– Gross Longs:	12,103	21,746	472
– Gross Shorts:	765	33,473	83
– Long to Short Ratio:	15.8 to 1	0.6 to 1	5.7 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):	85.3	14.7	86.7
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):	Bullish-Extreme	Bearish-Extreme	Bullish-Extreme
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:	-2.3	2.3	-3.3

Article By InvestMacro – Receive our weekly COT Newsletter

*COT Report: The COT data, released weekly to the public each Friday, is updated through the most recent Tuesday (data is 3 days old) and shows a quick view of how large speculators or non-commercials (for-profit traders) were positioned in the futures markets.

The CFTC categorizes trader positions according to commercial hedgers (traders who use futures contracts for hedging as part of the business), non-commercials (large traders who speculate to realize trading profits) and nonreportable traders (usually small traders/speculators) as well as their open interest (contracts open in the market at time of reporting). See CFTC criteria here.

10 Apr

Lithium Developer Lands Spot in US-Japan Critical Minerals Partnership

Source: Streetwise Reports (4/8/26)

Atlas Lithium Corp.’s (ATLX:NASDAQ) Neves Project in Brazil is being considered for financial backing by Japan and the U.S. governments.

Atlas Lithium Corp. (ATLX:NASDAQ) announced that its wholly-owned Neves Project in Brazil’s Lithium Valley has been highlighted in the Joint Fact Sheet for Japan-U.S. Critical Minerals Project Cooperation, according to a release on April 2.

This document, unveiled on March 20, by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, marks the Neves Project as the sole Brazil-based lithium initiative recognized in this context. The full document can be accessed online.

The Fact Sheet indicates that the governments of Japan and the United States are contemplating financial backing for the development of the Neves Project. This announcement follows closely on the heels of the U.S.-Japan Critical Minerals Investment Ministerial, which took place on March 14 in Tokyo involving key U.S. departments and Japan’s METI. Additionally, it comes after a summit on March 19 between Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and U.S. President Donald Trump. Both nations have committed to an action plan aimed at fortifying the secure and diversified supply chains of critical minerals, building on a prior agreement signed in Tokyo on October 28, 2025.

“The inclusion of the Neves Project in the Japan-U.S. Critical Minerals Joint Fact Sheet, with both the U.S. and Japanese governments considering financial support for our project, is a powerful recognition of the strategic value of our assets and the progress that our team has achieved,” Atlas Lithium Chief Executive Officer and Chairman Marc Fogassa said. “Together with our strategic partner Mitsui & Co., we remain focused on bringing the Neves Project into production and supplying high-quality lithium concentrate to the global market. We are also proud of working with the local communities in bringing progress to an economically disadvantaged area of Brazil.”

The Joint Fact Sheet lists several projects that could enhance the critical minerals supply chain, including Atlas Lithium’s Neves Project. This inclusion is significant, especially considering Atlas Lithium’s strategic partnership with Mitsui & Co., Ltd., a major Japanese trading and investment entity. In March 2024, Mitsui invested US$30 million in Atlas Lithium shares and secured an offtake agreement to purchase lithium concentrate from the Neves Project, thereby linking the project directly to Japan’s industrial sectors.

Fraser Institute Jurisdiction Rating
Atlas Lithium Corp.

Brazil (last modified 02/27/26)
Friendly Policies	75.17%
Best Practices Mineral Potential Index	77.78%
Socioeconomic Agreements/Community Development Conditions, aka Safety	25%
Political Stability	15%

Data from the Fraser Institute’s Mining Survey

Co. Takes ‘Critical Step’ Toward Production

In December 2025, the company announced that it is nearing the end of its search for a project management and construction supervision service provider for Neves. Situated in Minas Gerais, the Neves Project stands as Atlas Lithium’s premier lithium development endeavor, bolstered by a Definitive Feasibility Study with world-class project economics.

Atlas Lithium is in the process of selecting a firm that will oversee the planning, coordination, monitoring, and control of all construction activities at the site. This firm will ensure that the project adheres to the predetermined schedule, budget, scope, quality, safety, and performance standards. The company said it undertook a thorough evaluation process, reviewing five potential firms based on their technical expertise, experience with Brazilian mining projects, and their proposed management systems.

Vice President of Engineering and Project Management Officer Eduardo Queiroz emphasized the importance of this partnership, stating, “securing a top-tier project management partner is a critical step in our disciplined approach to making Atlas Lithium a producer of lithium concentrate in short order.” He further noted, “With our processing plant already in Brazil and key permits in place, we are methodically advancing toward production while maintaining our focus on cost discipline and schedule optimization.”

The lithium processing plant mentioned by Queiroz has already arrived in Brazil and is is now ready for assembly. Following assembly, pre-operational testing is expected to commence. Atlas Lithium anticipates finalizing the contract with the chosen project management firm early in 2026.

Furthermore, Atlas Lithium has secured all necessary permits for the Neves Project, which include installation, mining concession, water use rights, and vegetation clearance authorizations. The project plans to implement 100% dry-stacking for waste management, thereby eliminating the need for a tailings dam, and aims to recirculate over 95% of its process water, highlighting its commitment to sustainable mining practices.

Analyst: Co. Well-Capitalized to Achieve Commercial Production

On March 17, 2026, H.C. Wainwright & Co. analyst Heiko F. Ihle, CFA, maintained a Buy rating on Atlas Lithium and increased his price target from US$12.00 to US$12.50. Ihle cited the ongoing reduction of risks at Neves and the company’s advantageous cost structure as primary factors for the adjustment.

Ihle described 2026 as a crucial year for Atlas Lithium, noting the company’s focus on initiating Phase 1 of production at Neves, which includes the construction of a 150,000 tonne-per-year modular Dense Media Separation (DMS) plant. He mentioned that the company is transitioning from procurement to actual plant assembly and is also working on expanding its permits following a technical report in August 2025.

The analyst pointed out that Atlas Lithium appears well-capitalized to achieve commercial production in the near future, with a significant cash reserve and a manageable debt level. He also emphasized the company’s appeal as a potential merger and acquisition target due to its low projected operating costs and strategic location in Brazil’s “Lithium Valley.”

Ihle’s revised price target of US$12.50 is based on an increased net asset value (NAV) multiple, reflecting the project’s de-risking and a comprehensive valuation model that includes comparisons and financial projections. He highlighted the company’s strategic partnerships and off-take agreements as indicators of ongoing industry interest.

Finally, Ihle noted potential risks, including fluctuations in commodity prices, technical challenges in resource definition, and construction costs, which could impact the project’s progress and financial outcomes.

The Catalyst: AI Pushing Demand Worldwide

The AI industry’s expansion is significantly driving up the demand for lithium, primarily due to the increased need for lithium-iron phosphate batteries in data centers, according to Ivan Castano writing for Open Markets on March 18

These batteries are essential for maintaining a stable energy supply, crucial for operations like training large language models which consume substantial amounts of power. Unlike the smaller lithium-ion batteries used in EVs, these larger units are integral to Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). These facilities are becoming more common across the U.S. and globally, storing energy from renewable sources or the grid and releasing it during peak demand or power outages, thus ensuring continuous power supply to data centers.

The systems are also beneficial for solar energy providers, allowing them to store excess energy produced during peak sunlight and sell it in the evening, thereby stabilizing their income despite the intermittent nature of solar power. This shift is causing the lithium demand for energy storage to outpace that of the EV market. According to Benchmark Minerals Intelligence, last year saw a 51% increase in BESS demand compared to a 26% rise for EVs, although EVs still make up about 75% of the global battery demand.

Streetwise Ownership Overview*

Atlas Lithium Corp. (ATLX:NASDAQ)

	Retail: 47%
	Insiders & Management: 26%
	Institutional: 20%
	Strategic Investors: 7%

^*Share Structure as of 4/8/2026

The market dynamics are shifting from an oversupply and lower prices to a scenario of scarce supply and rising prices, lifting lithium out of a three-year price dip. Prices have soared 120% over the past six months, with significant fluctuations such as a 46% price spike in January due to low inventories before the Chinese New Year. Andy Leyland, founder of SC Insights, predicts a tightening market, stating, “The market is looking pretty strong,” and anticipates a 24% demand increase versus a 19% supply increase by 2026. This growing market tightness is mirrored in the futures market, where there is a noticeable shift towards using CME Group Lithium futures as a risk management strategy, reflecting the industry’s need to hedge against price volatility amid supply disruptions and the EV industry’s evolving purchasing strategies.

In 2025, the global lithium market was valued at approximately US$32.38 billion and is projected to expand to US$96.45 billion by 2033, advancing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.5% from 2026 to 2033, Grand View Research reported.

This growth is largely driven by the increasing adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), which rely heavily on lithium-ion batteries. The automotive sector, in particular, is expected to see robust growth due to stringent government regulations aimed at reducing carbon dioxide emissions from internal combustion engine vehicles, pushing automakers towards EV production.

Ownership and Share Structure¹

As for ownership and share structure, management owns approximately 26% of Atlas Lithium common shares. Strategic partner Mitsui & Co. Ltd. has 7%. Numerous institutions hold 20%. Retail investors own the rest.

Atlas Lithium has 27.7 million shares outstanding. Its market cap is ~US$130 million. Its 52-week range is US$3.54–8.25 per share.

Important Disclosures:

Atlas Lithium Corp. is a billboard sponsor of Streetwise Reports and pays SWR a monthly sponsorship fee between US$3,000 and US$6,000.
As of the date of this article, officers, contractors, shareholders, and/or employees of Streetwise Reports LLC (including members of their household) own securities of Atlas Lithium Corp.
Steve Sobek wrote this article for Streetwise Reports LLC and provides services to Streetwise Reports as an employee.
This article does not constitute investment advice and is not a solicitation for any investment. Streetwise Reports does not render general or specific investment advice and the information on Streetwise Reports should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Each reader is encouraged to consult with his or her personal financial adviser and perform their own comprehensive investment research. By opening this page, each reader accepts and agrees to Streetwise Reports’ terms of use and full legal disclaimer. Streetwise Reports does not endorse or recommend the business, products, services or securities of any company.

For additional disclosures, please click here.

1. Ownership and Share Structure Information

The information listed above was updated on the date this article was published and was compiled from information from the company and various other data providers.

Financial News Metals

06 Apr

Gold – 12% Decline Since Middle East Conflict Began: This May Not Be the Limit

By Analytical Department RoboForex

Gold declined to 4,600 USD per troy ounce on Monday, extending losses from the previous session. Pressure intensified after Donald Trump issued a new ultimatum to Iran, threatening strikes on energy and civilian infrastructure unless the Strait of Hormuz is reopened.

Trump signalled his readiness to sharply increase pressure and set a new deadline, further heightening tensions in financial markets. Tehran has rejected the demands and continues to target energy facilities in the region.

Since the onset of the conflict, gold has lost approximately 12% of its value. Rising energy prices are amplifying inflation risks and reinforcing expectations of higher interest rates, which limit demand for the metal.

Moreover, gold is not fully fulfilling its traditional role as a safe-haven asset. Some investors are being forced to unwind positions to cover losses in other market segments, adding further downward pressure on prices.

Technical Analysis

On the H4 XAU/USD chart, the market is forming a consolidation range around 4,599 USD. An upside breakout would open the way for a correction towards 4,854 USD, while a downside breakout could mark the beginning of a new downward wave towards 4,477 USD. The MACD indicator confirms the current momentum, with its signal line above the zero line and pointing firmly upwards.

On the H1 chart, the market has broken above 4,636 USD and is forming a wave towards 4,737 USD. Looking ahead, a corrective move back to 4,636 USD is likely, followed by a renewed advance towards 4,852 USD. The Stochastic oscillator supports this scenario, with its signal line above 50 and pointing towards 80.

Conclusion

Gold’s 12% decline since the start of the Middle East conflict highlights a market paradox: escalating geopolitical tensions have failed to support the traditional safe-haven asset. Instead, surging energy prices have intensified inflation concerns, pushing interest rate expectations higher and weighing on the non-yielding metal. Forced liquidation by investors covering losses elsewhere has added to the selling pressure. With Trump issuing a new ultimatum and Tehran rejecting the demands, the conflict shows no signs of easing. While technical indicators suggest scope for a short-term rebound, gold’s broader trajectory remains vulnerable, and further downside cannot be ruled out.

Disclaimer

Financial News Metals

05 Apr

COT Metals Charts: Speculator Bets led by Copper & Palladium

By InvestMacro

Open Interest (OI) is the amount of contracts that are currently live in the marketplace. OI Strength shows the current strength compared to the past 3-years.

Here are the latest charts and statistics for the Commitment of Traders (COT) data published by the Commodities Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).

The latest COT data is updated through Tuesday March 31st and shows a quick view of how large traders (for-profit speculators and commercial entities) were positioned in the futures markets.

Weekly Speculator Changes led by Copper & Palladium

The COT metals markets speculator bets were overall mixed this week as three out of the six metals markets we cover had higher positioning while the other three markets had lower speculator contracts.

Leading the gains for the metals was Copper (2,567 contracts) with Palladium (192 contracts) and Platinum (139 contracts) also seeing positive weeks.

The markets with declines in speculator bets for the week were Gold (-5,125 contracts), Steel (-3,544 contracts) and with Silver (-769 contracts) also having lower bets on the week.

Palladium leads the Metals price performance

In the Metals markets this week, Palladium was the biggest winner for price performance with a 7.20% gain over the past 5 days. Platinum was higher as well by 5.09%, while Silver came in third with a 4.48% advance. Gold also rose higher with a strong 4.17% rise. Steel was up by 1.84%, and Copper rounds out the gainers with a 1.62% advance.