Gold soared on Friday as Middle East tensions worsened, boosting demand on safe haven, which also buoyed gold gain regardless US inflation figures that came stronger beyond projections.

Spot gold added 0.3% to $2,034.78 per ounce, meanwhile gold futures advanced by 1% to $2,038.80 per ounce.

The Houthi attacked ships in the Red Sea, prompting the United States and Britain to begin a slew of strikes against them in Yemen.

The action signaled an extension of the Israel-Hamas conflict, which was thought to be a major driving force for the current Houthi aggressiveness.

As investors typically gravitate toward more established havens in response to rising geopolitical dangers, the move bolstered demand for gold as a safe refuge. In spite of a higher U.S. inflation reading, it also assisted bullion prices in holding steady.

Even though gold prices increased somewhat on Friday, they were still expected to finish the week slightly lower due to unpredictability on the direction of U.S. interest rates.