Gold prices experienced a sharp decline, with the GLD ETF falling significantly as surging crude oil prices renewed inflation concerns. [1, 2, 6] This has strengthened market expectations for a Federal Reserve interest rate hike in December, increasing the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding bullion. [4, 5, 11, 12] Additionally, a sell-off in the technology sector reportedly prompted some investors to liquidate gold positions to cover losses elsewhere, adding to the downward pressure. [7, 8, 9]