Gold and Silver Prices Slip Amid Market Uncertainty; Key Economic Data Scheduled This Week
By Peter Nurse, Investing.com
Published: February 15, 2026 | Updated: February 16, 2026
Investing.com – Gold and silver prices declined on Monday as market participants grappled with ongoing uncertainty surrounding U.S. interest rate policies following the recent release of U.S. inflation figures. Traders are also gearing up for a busy week ahead with the release of several critical economic indicators that could influence monetary policy and market sentiment.
Market Movements and Current Prices
On Monday morning at 07:20 ET (12:20 GMT), spot gold prices fell by 0.9% to $4,997.74 per ounce, while gold futures for April delivery dropped 0.5% to $5,019.25 an ounce. Silver prices also retreated, with spot silver falling 1.5% to $76.81 an ounce. Meanwhile, spot platinum dropped 1.6% to $2,043.20 an ounce. These movements come amid thin trading volumes as markets in China, South Korea, and the United States were closed for President’s Day.
Volatility and Recent Trends
Precious metals markets have been volatile over the past two weeks, experiencing wild price swings yet remaining below the late-January peak levels. While gold and silver have retained modest gains from last week thanks to a combination of dip buying and a softer dollar, overall investor sentiment remains cautious. Heightened geopolitical tensions, including concerns over U.S.-Iran relations, have also contributed somewhat to safe-haven demand for metals. Nonetheless, uncertainty about the Federal Reserve’s next moves on interest rates continues to weigh heavily on prices.
Influence of Fed Leadership and Interest Rates
Market reaction in recent weeks was notably influenced by the announcement that President Donald Trump intends to nominate Kevin Warsh as the next Federal Reserve Chair after Jerome Powell’s term ends in May. Warsh is generally viewed as less dovish compared to Powell, raising expectations that U.S. monetary policy may tighten or at least not ease significantly in the near future. This has generated concerns that favorable conditions for gold, typically bolstered by lower interest rates, may not materialize soon.
ANZ analysts commented, “The market’s attention is gradually shifting to the potential impact of tariffs, which has yet to fully appear in economic and inflation data. Doubts remain around future Fed credibility. Such a backdrop will intensify investors’ appetite for real assets like gold.” They maintained a largely positive long-term outlook for gold despite recent dips.
Key Economic Data to Watch This Week
Investor focus is turning sharply towards several important U.S. economic reports due this week, which may offer clearer indications of the Fed’s policy path. On Wednesday, the minutes from the Federal Reserve’s January meeting will be released, expected to shed light on policymakers’ current thinking regarding interest rates amid the leadership transition.
Later in the week, the Bureau of Economic Analysis will publish the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) price index for December, the Fed’s preferred measure of inflation. The PCE data is crucial for the central bank’s assessment of inflation pressures and will influence its long-term rate outlook.
Additional indicators including U.S. trade balance and industrial production figures are also scheduled for release and may impact market expectations for growth and monetary policy.
Market Snapshot
As of the latest update, major equity indexes showed mixed performance with the Dow Jones up by 0.36%, the S&P 500 advancing 0.32%, and the Nasdaq 100 slightly down by 0.22%. The U.S. Dollar index edged up modestly by 0.12%. Energy markets were relatively steady, with WTI crude oil futures rising 0.24% to $62.90 per barrel.
Conclusion
Precious metals remain sensitive to shifts in the monetary policy outlook and geopolitical developments. With key U.S. economic data releases this week and the prospect of new Fed leadership, markets are poised for potentially significant moves. Investors will be closely monitoring the Fed minutes and PCE inflation data for clues on future interest rate trajectories, which in turn will influence gold, silver, and other real assets.
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Ambar Warrick contributed to this report.