The dollar and U.S. Treasury yields climbed on Wednesday, weighing on gold. The dollar index was around 102.30, near its highest level since April 2025. The U.S. 10-year yield rose to about 5.324%, close to Monday’s 5.349%, the highest since 2002. Middle East conflict-driven oil gains and higher inflation risk, rising government debt and deficits, and U.S. economic resilience have pushed financing costs higher. Traders are watching FOMC minutes for fresh clues on further Fed tightening. Since the late-February onset of the Middle East conflict, markets’ hawkish Fed expectations have pressured gold; spot bullion is more than 25% below January’s near-$5,600 record high, though long-term demand still provides underlying support. 07-OCT-2026 06:56 AM ET