Iran Conflict

The European Central Bank is widely expected to raise rates in September as headline inflation accelerates on higher energy costs. The bigger question for markets is whether the move marks the end of tightening or the start of a more restrictive phase.

Bitcoin and the wider crypto market are trading defensively as oil-driven inflation anxiety, a stronger Dollar Index and weakening equities weigh on risk appetite. Some market observers argue that a Federal Reserve rate increase this month would risk compounding a supply shock rather than solving it.

Spot gold is struggling for direction as defensive demand linked to the Iran conflict meets renewed pressure from inflation concerns and a less dovish Federal Reserve outlook. Technical traders remain focused on whether buyers can shift from passive support on dips to aggressive upside positioning.