Dutch International: Gold prices slide but still above $5,100, market focused on talks between the US and Iran.

Gold prices slipped in early trading, but still remained above $5,100 per ounce, as investors looked ahead to the U.S.-Iran talks scheduled for later on Thursday. New York gold futures fell by 0.7% to $5,191.60 per ounce, with gains being capped by concerns over the possibility of U.S. interest rates remaining unchanged for some time. However, gold prices were still up over 3.5% for the week, supported by renewed uncertainty in U.S. trade policy and geopolitical tensions with Iran. Analysts at ING Group stated, "Any escalation in tensions involving Iran could provide further support for gold prices and solidify gold's role as a hedge against uncertainty." "Meanwhile, the structural drivers that have been supporting gold's previous gains remain intact."