Gold prices have retreated for the second consecutive week, suffering a weekly loss of approximately 3.5%. The metal hit a low of $3986.50 per ounce during the session—its weakest point since mid-July—before recovering slightly to $4026.15. The downward pressure is largely driven by persistent inflation concerns in the United States and rising oil prices. These economic factors suggest that the U.S. Federal Reserve may keep interest rates higher for longer, causing investors to shift away from non-yielding assets like gold in favor of those that offer returns.