March 17, 2026

Market Overview 11-03-2026 to 17-03-2026

Precious metals – in a price correction phase

Last week, the main precious metals markets faced price corrections. When looking for the reasons behind the decline, analysts point to both a partial easing of tensions in the Middle East and the likely decision of central banks not to reduce interest rates. As investors assess what the dynamics of precious metals markets may look like in 2026, increasing importance is also being given to the latest forecasts of metal supply, demand, and market deficits.

The global gold price fell by more than 3.2% between March 11 and March 17, reaching USD 5,009 per troy ounce. The average gold price in March stands at USD 5,138 per troy ounce.

Despite further Iranian attacks on energy infrastructure in the Middle East and Donald Trump’s threat to strike Iran’s Kharg Island oil export hub “just for fun,” there are also decisions indicating partial stabilization of the situation in the region.

After the Iranian authorities announced that the Strait of Hormuz is open to everyone except the United States and its allies, ships from several countries have already successfully passed through this geographical chokepoint, through which about 20% of the world’s oil is normally transported. Meanwhile, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that the United States is currently tolerating the movement of some Iranian, Indian, and Chinese ships through the Strait of Hormuz in order to ensure sufficient global fuel supply.

Decisions and comments reflecting fragile security in the region are encouraging a partial withdrawal of investors from the precious metals sector.

The global silver price declined by more than 5.7% between March 11 and March 17, reaching USD 80.72 per troy ounce. The average silver price in March stands at USD 85.81 per troy ounce.

The crisis in the Middle East contributes both directly and indirectly to a reduction in silver demand. In response to rising oil prices and the growing risk of high inflation, central banks in various countries are halting their plans to cut interest rates or even beginning to raise base interest rates.

The probability of a Federal Reserve rate cut at the March meeting stands at only 0.9%. Even by the end of April, the probability of a rate cut is estimated at just 3%. Probabilities based on exchange trading statistics clearly indicate that the U.S. market is seriously preparing for a possible high inflation scenario.

Meanwhile, the Reserve Bank of Australia has already raised interest rates for the second time this year by 0.25 percentage points. The maintenance of higher interest rates and their increases partly contribute to a reduction in demand for precious metals.

On the other hand, more pronounced short-term corrections in silver are being restrained by promising market forecasts. According to The Silver Institute, the silver market is expected to face a deficit of 67 million troy ounces in 2026.

The global palladium price recorded relatively minimal changes between March 11 and March 17. On March 17, the price of palladium stood at USD 1,620 per troy ounce. The average palladium price in March is USD 1,434 per troy ounce.

The global platinum price declined by more than 1.6% between March 11 and March 17, reaching USD 2,133 per troy ounce. The average platinum price in March stands at USD 1,866 per troy ounce.

The global copper price declined by more than 2.2% between March 11 and March 17, reaching USD 12,749 per tonne.