Global Markets Shaken by Middle East Escalation and Gold Collapse; ECB Pivot Looms

Key TakeawaysSpot gold prices plummeted over 7% to $4,161.89/oz, marking a 25% decline from the January all-time high as a souring risk tone triggers massive liquidations.Geopolitical tensions spiked following reports of a U.S. fighter jet crash in Kuwait and indirect threats from Iran targeting regional electrical and water infrastructure.Goldman Sachs issued a hawkish pivot for the ECB, now forecasting 25-basis-point rate hikes in both April and June 2026.Japan’s Rengo confirmed a robust 5.26% average wag ...