Gold prices fell to a three-month low on Friday as a sharp rise in energy prices increased concerns that inflation could remain persistent and strengthened expectations for a more restrictive Federal Reserve policy. The decline put bullion on track for its steepest weekly loss in more than four months, underscoring the pressure higher oil prices can place on non-yielding assets.

Gold Falls Below the $4,000 Threshold

Spot gold fell 0.6% to $3,998.35 an ounce by 11:20 a.m. EDT, according to the Reuters report, after touching a session low of $3,975.23. The move took gold below the psychologically important $4,000 level for the first time since mid-July.

The decline reflects a shift in expectations surrounding U.S. monetary policy. Gold does not generate interest income, meaning higher expected interest rates can reduce its relative appeal compared with interest-bearing assets. As markets reassess the Federal Reserve’s policy trajectory, changes in rate expectations and Treasury yields can therefore have a significant influence on bullion demand.

Oil Prices Strengthen Inflation Concerns

The latest pressure on gold comes as Brent crude reached a more than five-month high. Higher energy prices can feed into transportation, production and consumer costs, potentially making the Federal Reserve more cautious about easing monetary conditions.

That dynamic has become particularly important for financial markets because investors are assessing whether renewed energy inflation could complicate the central bank’s policy decisions. If higher fuel costs contribute to persistent inflation, expectations for interest-rate increases or a slower pace of monetary easing can strengthen, creating additional headwinds for gold.

Fed Decision and PCE Data in Focus

Investors will receive two important signals next week: the Federal Reserve’s interest-rate decision and U.S. personal consumption expenditures data, a closely watched measure of inflation. Together, they could provide greater clarity on whether recent energy-price pressures are becoming significant enough to influence the central bank’s policy outlook.

The data will also help determine whether the recent decline in gold represents a broader reassessment of monetary conditions or a temporary adjustment following its earlier gains. A more hawkish policy outlook could keep pressure on bullion, while evidence of easing inflation or a less restrictive Fed stance could alter expectations.

Lower Prices Support Indian Gold Demand

Despite the weaker international price trend, gold demand in India has strengthened as lower prices encourage festive-season purchases. India is one of the world’s major gold-consuming markets, and seasonal buying can provide an important source of physical demand when international prices retreat.

Going forward, traders will closely monitor the Fed decision, U.S. PCE inflation data and movements in crude oil prices. The interaction between energy-driven inflation, interest-rate expectations and physical gold demand is likely to determine whether bullion stabilizes around current levels or faces further pressure in the weeks ahead.