16.03.202603:37:57UTC+00Palladium Rises as Conflict Nears Third Week

Palladium futures climbed back above $1,570 per ounce, rebounding from recent declines as escalating geopolitical tensions heightened concerns over supply and broader market stability. The advance came against the backdrop of ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran, with little indication that hostilities will ease soon. Oil prices spiked after Donald Trump suggested the standoff could last for several more weeks, threatening flows through the strategic Strait of Hormuz and raising the prospect of prolonged energy shortages. Investor caution increased as higher oil prices risk further constraining vehicle production, potentially limiting palladium demand for catalytic converters while still underpinning prices. On the supply side, intermittent disruptions to South African palladium production continue to tighten medium-term availability. Over the past month, palladium has fallen 6.8%, but it remains 63.5% higher than it was a year earlier.