[Analyst: Expectations for Fed Easing May Return, Geopolitical Risk Easing Benefits Gold] Odaily Planet Daily News - On Wednesday, gold prices edged higher, reaching a near two-week high, mainly supported by a weaker dollar. Marex analyst Edward Meir stated that speculation about the U.S. potentially ending the war within two to three weeks even without reopening the Strait of Hormuz has boosted U.S. stock markets and driven gold prices higher as well. However, if inflation expectations resurface, interest rates could rise further, which would limit gold's upside potential. The market has almost entirely ruled out the possibility of a Fed rate cut this year, whereas before the war broke out, the market had anticipated two rate cuts this year. OCBC Bank strategist Christopher Wong noted that if geopolitical tensions ease further, market expectations for the Fed to ease monetary policy could return. In such a scenario, real yields are likely to decline, thereby providing support for gold prices. (Jin10)