[U.S.-Iran Hostilities Persist, Rate Hike Expectations Weigh on Gold Prices] According to Jinse Finance, on July 20, as U.S.-Iran conflicts escalated over the weekend, the market speculated that the Federal Reserve might need to raise interest rates to curb inflation, leading to a drop in gold prices. After falling more than 2% last week, gold is currently trading near $3,995 per ounce. The escalation of hostilities in the Middle East, including an attack on a key oil facility in Kuwait and vessels attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz becoming targets, has caused oil prices to surge. Tehran stated that the ceasefire agreement between the U.S. and Iran is effectively nullified, further intensifying concerns over potential severe disruptions to critical energy supplies flowing through this narrow waterway. (Jin10)