Risk perception across global markets has clearly intensified in recent days. During Asian trading hours, spot gold climbed 0.7 percent to $5,368 per ounce. Prices had already reached their highest level in more than four weeks in the previous session and maintained upward momentum into the new trading day. Meanwhile, U.S. April gold futures rose 1.5 percent to around $5,391.90 per ounce.

How Much Is Gram Gold Today?

The rise in international gold prices has also affected domestic markets in Türkiye. Combined with exchange-rate effects, gold prices in the local market moved upward as well.

As of the morning of March 3, 2026, gram gold is trading around 7,590 Turkish lira, up approximately 0.7 percent. As long as geopolitical risk pricing continues in global markets, volatility in gram gold prices may also persist.

Market analysts note that safe-haven demand could strengthen further if the conflict expands. During periods of uncertainty, gold often becomes one of the first assets investors turn to.

Why Are Gold Prices Rising?

Several key factors are driving the latest surge in gold prices. First, escalating military tensions in the Middle East have significantly increased risk perception in global markets.

Second, investor demand for safe-haven assets has risen sharply. In times of uncertainty, portfolios often shift part of their allocation toward gold.

Another major factor comes from the energy market. Rising oil prices are bringing global inflation concerns back into focus. When inflation expectations increase, gold typically gains demand as a hedge.

Why Are Oil Prices Increasing?

The main driver behind the rise in oil prices is developments around the Strait of Hormuz. According to Iranian media reports, a senior official from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced that the strait had been closed and warned that ships attempting to pass through the area could be targeted.

This statement triggered serious concerns in energy markets. Roughly 20 percent of global oil trade passes through this strategic waterway.

While a full disruption has not yet occurred, markets often price potential risks rather than confirmed events. The upward pressure on oil prices reflects exactly this scenario.

What Happens If the Strait of Hormuz Closes?

This is currently the most critical scenario discussed in energy markets. A prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz could significantly disrupt global oil supply.

According to experts, such a scenario could lead to rapid and sharp increases in oil prices, as this route is one of the most important transit points for global energy shipments.

For this reason, energy markets are closely watching not only the military developments but also potential disruptions in maritime trade.

Why Isn’t Gold Falling While the Dollar Is Strong?

Under normal market conditions, a stronger U.S. dollar tends to put pressure on gold prices. When the dollar gains value, gold becomes more expensive for investors holding other currencies.

However, this relationship often shifts during geopolitical crises.

The U.S. dollar index has remained near a five-week high, while gold prices have continued to climb at the same time. This suggests a classic safe-haven reaction in financial markets. Investors are moving toward both the dollar and gold simultaneously.

Tim Waterer, Chief Market Analyst at KCM Trade, notes that gold’s rise despite the strong dollar highlights the level of geopolitical risk currently priced into markets. According to him, higher oil prices and potential disruptions in shipments through the Strait of Hormuz could push global inflation concerns back to the forefront.

Trump Signals New Wave of Attacks

U.S. President Donald Trump stated that operations against Iran would continue “for as long as necessary.” He also warned that a new and larger wave of attacks could occur soon, although he did not provide specific operational details.

The conflict is already affecting more than just military dynamics. Civilian casualties have been reported in Iran, Israel, and Lebanon. Global air travel has faced disruptions, and maritime trade in the region has slowed significantly. Shipping activity near the Strait of Hormuz has declined notably.

Other Precious Metals Also Move Higher

Rising geopolitical tensions have not only affected gold but also other precious metals.

Spot silver rose 1.4 percent to $90.67 per ounce, reaching its highest level in four weeks.

Platinum climbed 0.6 percent to $2,316.50, while palladium gained 1.6 percent to $1,795.08.

Global markets will likely focus on three major developments in the coming days: whether the conflict in the Middle East expands, the status of oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, and the impact of energy prices on global inflation.

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The post Why Gold and Oil Are Rising Amid Middle East Tensions appeared first on Coin Engineer.

The timing of the crisis is notable. While expectations for a 2026 Fed rate cut are not fully priced in, Venezuela’s political developments have heightened risk perception, laying the foundation for Bitcoin and Gold to strengthen in tandem.

Bitcoin held above $93,000 on Tuesday, showing the most stable performance in weeks. At the same time, Gold regained momentum toward $4,450. The weakening US dollar provided a supportive backdrop for both assets.

Geopolitical Tensions Highlight Safe-Haven Appeal

The deepening political crisis in Venezuela is now pricing in as a global risk factor. President Nicolás Maduro’s detention by US forces and the subsequent legal proceedings introduced the prospect of prolonged uncertainty.

This triggered classic safe-haven behavior. Gold resumed its traditional role, while Bitcoin displayed similar patterns, increasingly acting as a macro hedge rather than just a speculative asset.

ETF Flows Support Bitcoin Demand

A key driver behind Bitcoin’s rise is ETF activity. Issuers led by BlackRock have recently increased total crypto exposure, with approximately $694 million in Bitcoin acquisitions—the strongest institutional demand since October.

Combined with decreasing exchange supply and rising open interest, these flows intensified upward pressure on Bitcoin. Holding above $93,000 refocused attention on the psychological $100,000 level.

Gold Gains from Fed Expectations

Gold prices are supported by both Venezuela-driven geopolitical risk and monetary policy expectations. After dipping to $4,430 earlier in the week, Gold rebounded to $4,450 as renewed US dollar selling pressure emerged.

Markets anticipate a more dovish Fed in 2026, widening Gold’s upside potential. Analysts note $4,550 as a short-term test level, with support at $4,393 and $4,296.

Silver Sees Risk Appetite Impact

Silver also posted strong performance. On January 5, spot Silver jumped over 5%, reaching $77.63 with intraday gains of 7%. The movement reflects partial risk appetite recovery, with $80–$81 as potential resistance and dips seen as buying opportunities.

Focus on Macro Data

Markets now watch upcoming US Nonfarm Payrolls data. Expected growth of 55,000 jobs and a 4% unemployment rate will influence Fed rate expectations. A weaker report could accelerate Bitcoin and Gold rallies, while stronger numbers may trigger short-term volatility.

Bitcoin is increasingly acting like a macro hedge alongside Gold. Venezuela is no longer just a political story but a financial catalyst impacting global capital flows.

Gold’s trajectory is cautious yet steady. Persistent geopolitical risks and dovish Fed expectations may test $4,550, while sudden USD strength could push prices toward $4,393 and $4,296. Movements are expected to remain gradual rather than sharp.

The intersection of geopolitical events and macro data will continue to shape Bitcoin and Gold, though the sustainability of current trends remains uncertain.

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Keiser stated:

“Russia, China, and Iran are not going to accept a US dollar stablecoin. I predict they will counter the USD stablecoin with a gold-backed one. China and Russia have a combined 50,000 tonnes of gold — far more than what’s officially reported.”

Gold vs. USD Stablecoins on the Global Stage

Keiser warns that US lawmakers’ plans to extend US dollar dominance through dollar-backed stablecoins are threatened by the potential rise of gold-backed stablecoins.

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In June 2024, stablecoin issuer Tether launched Alloy (aUSD₮), a gold-backed stablecoin collateralized by Tether’s XAU₮ — a token offering a paper claim to physical gold.

PointsVille founder and former VanEck executive Gabor Gurbacs said:

“Tether Gold is what the US dollar used to be before 1971. XAU₮ is up 15.7% year-to-date, while the broader crypto market is in decline. Foundations and businesses should hedge their holdings with XAU₮.”

The US Strategy for Dollar-Pegged Stablecoins

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that the Trump administration will focus on leveraging USD stablecoins to protect the dollar’s reserve currency status and maintain global financial dominance.

Speaking at the March 7 White House Crypto Summit, Bessent emphasized that establishing a stablecoin regime is a top priority for the administration. Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller also expressed support for using stablecoins to strengthen the dollar’s position before Bessent’s comments.

US lawmakers have introduced several bills aimed at establishing a comprehensive regulatory framework for stablecoins, including the Stable Act of 2025 and the GENIUS Stablecoin Bill.

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The post Could Dollar-Backed Stablecoins Fall Behind? Here’s Why! appeared first on Coin Engineer.