While gold managed a modest 0.08% gain, silver outperformed with a 0.87% rise to $58.16. The market remains caught between conflicting signals: while recent U.S. economic data—including an eight-month high in business activity and low jobless claims—suggests a resilient economy, geopolitical tensions in the Strait of Hormuz continue to cast a long shadow over global trade. Brent crude retreated to $96.78, providing some relief to inflationary pressures, yet the threat of supply chain disruptions keeps investors cautious.

Equities finished the week in a fragmented state. The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 0.5% to 51,947.25, buoyed by the recovery in traditional sectors, while technology shares faced continued pressure, dragging the Nasdaq down 0.6%. European markets, however, largely trended upward, fueled by positive earnings reports and the decline in oil prices. As the 10-year Treasury yield moderated to 4.678%, market participants are looking ahead to next week’s Federal Reserve decision and upcoming GDP figures to gauge whether the current inflationary risks will force a policy shift or maintain the existing status quo.