Strong dollar hits gold demand in thin tradingHOLIDAY LULL: With markets in Taiwan, China, HK, Singapore, South Korea and the US closed, thin liquidity and a surging dollar dragged bullion to a weekly lowReutersGold dropped more than 2 percent yesterday, as holidays in major markets hit liquidity, while a stronger US dollar and easing geopolitical tensions added to the pressure. Spot gold dropped 1.5 percent to US$4,917.90 per ounce by 8am GMT, after hitting US$4,862 per ounce, its lowest level in more than a week. US gold futures for April delivery lost 2.2 percent to US$4,936.6 per ounce. A gold bar is displayed at a jewelry shop at the Al Moez Street gold market in Old Cairo on Feb. 5. The US dollar index rose 0.3 percent against a basket of currencies, making greenback-priced bullion more expensive for holders of other currencies.

Source: Taipei Times February 17, 2026 17:15 UTC