Gold eased to around $4,020 per ounce on Thursday, halting its record-breaking rally amid likely profit-taking and signs of subsiding geopolitical risks. President Donald Trump announced that Israel and Hamas had agreed on the first phase of a peace plan, potentially ending the two-year war and freeing hostages, a deal confirmed by Israeli officials, Hamas, and mediator Qatar. Despite the pause, the metal’s bullish momentum remained strong, supported by economic uncertainty and a dovish Federal Reserve. The ongoing US government shutdown, now in its second week, delayed economic data and threatened public-sector layoffs, while private reports showed contracting ADP payrolls and ISM PMI job indices. FOMC minutes indicated further rate cuts due to labor market fragility, and inflation concerns continued to support demand for precious metals over dollar assets.