NEW YORK — Gold futures declined 0.25% on Tuesday, settling at $4,352.50 per ounce as a rebound in global stock markets and a firmer U.S. dollar reduced demand for the precious metal as a safe-haven asset, even as broader economic uncertainties and geopolitical undercurrents provided some underlying support.

The modest pullback reflected shifting investor sentiment after recent strong gains for gold, which had climbed to record territory earlier in the year amid central bank buying, inflation hedging and geopolitical risks. Tuesday's decline came as major U.S. equity indices posted solid advances, with the Nasdaq rising over 1%, the Dow gaining nearly 390 points and small-cap stocks in the Russell 2000 climbing more than 2%.

A stronger dollar weighed on gold, which is priced in the U.S. currency and becomes more expensive for foreign buyers when the greenback appreciates. The dollar index rose modestly as traders assessed upcoming inflation data and Federal Reserve policy signals. Lower bond yields also played a role, with real interest rates remaining a key driver for gold pricing.

Market participants noted that while immediate safe-haven flows eased, structural demand for gold remains robust. Central banks, particularly in emerging markets, have continued adding to reserves as a diversification strategy away from traditional currencies. Industrial demand for gold in electronics and other sectors has also provided a floor.

The session's price action followed a period of elevated volatility in commodities. Gold had benefited earlier from concerns over Middle East tensions and potential supply disruptions, but........

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