Platinum Rises Over 4%

Platinum futures rose more than 4% to above $1,730 an ounce, attempting to rebound from a six-month low as precious metals broadly advanced after renewed hopes for a Middle East peace deal eased inflation concerns. US President Donald Trump said a deal could be reached as early as this weekend after postponing planned attacks against Iran. This could potentially reopen the Strait of Hormuz and would likely push oil prices lower, reducing inflation pressures from energy and easing pressure on central banks to raise rates. Still, traders remained cautious, as even a breakthrough would take time to fully restore oil flows. Meanwhile, the platinum market remains structurally tight, with the World Platinum Investment Council projecting a fourth consecutive annual supply deficit in 2026. Output from major producers South Africa and Russia remains constrained by aging mines, high costs, and sanctions-related disruptions, while industrial demand from the automotive sector remains resilient.