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Crude oil prices remain firm as escalating Middle East tensions raise concerns about shipping, tanker traffic, and potential supply disruption through the Gulf. Technical traders are watching WTI near $93.80 and Brent in the $100 to $102 area for signals on whether the rally can extend toward higher targets.

WTI and Brent remained supported as attacks on commercial tankers and weaker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz kept Middle East supply risk firmly priced into crude. OPEC+ left October production unchanged, while tighter inventories and record diesel prices added another layer of support for oil buyers.

Gold has failed to build lasting upside momentum even as the USD Index softened, inflation data cooled and geopolitical tensions intensified. Market participants say the inability to rally on supportive news keeps the precious metals sector vulnerable to a fresh decline.