Gold hits over 6-month low on rate-hike concerns amid Mideast conflict

Gold prices dropped to a six-month low as U.S. strikes on Iran fueled oil prices and inflation concerns. This, coupled with strong U.S. consumer inflation data, reinforces expectations of higher-for-longer interest rates, weighing on the non-yielding metal. Markets await further U.S. economic data for insights into the Federal Reserve's monetary policy.