Markets Today: UK PMI beats as input costs soar, DXY advances & Gold grinds lower. US PMI & Middle East tensions in focus

Rising geopolitical tensions and an energy-driven shock are boosting safe-haven demand for the US Dollar and weighing on risk assets. The DXY has climbed to ~98.60, tracking a 0.4% weekly gain, while commodity-linked assets are volatile as oil moves higher. Gold (XAUUSD) is under selling pressure — trading around 4691 — and technicals on the H4 chart show a descending channel, RSI near 35 and price below the 100/200-day MAs, suggesting further downside toward 4600 if 4700 support breaks. UK PMI surprised to the upside at 52.0 but record input-cost inflation and falling employment point to sticky inflation, supporting commodity and dollar strength. Overall, markets are cautious: European equities are modestly lower amid mixed earnings, energy strength, and continued focus on US PMIs and Middle East diplomatic developments.