Precious metals are witnessing a bout of profit-taking this Thursday, with Comex gold slipping 1% to $4,507 and silver tracking lower by 1.58% to $71.49. The intraday cooling comes as investors weigh a firmer dollar against a backdrop of shifting geopolitical narratives and cooling crude prices.

The primary driver for the morning’s retreat appears to be a cautious de-escalation in risk premiums. Reports that Tehran is reviewing a U.S. proposal to end the ongoing conflict have injected a dose of optimism into the markets, softening the immediate “flight to safety” that has bolstered bullion recently. Gold briefly touched levels near $4,498 earlier in the session before finding minor support.

Analysts attribute silver’s underlying strength to a combination of industrial demand and its role as a macroeconomic hedge. Market experts suggest that the current volatility is likely intermittent. The overarching trend remains anchored by a weakening dollar and expectations that central banks may ease off aggressive interest rate hikes.