Palladium futures ease after three-month high near $1,380/oz

Palladium futures hovered near $1,380 per ounce, after reaching a three-month high, as near-term investment flows continue to influence prices despite stronger industrial demand.

Hawkish statements from Fed Chair Warsh and fresh strikes in the Middle East supported expectations of a Fed rate hike, weighing on the non-yielding metal.

Still, tighter emissions regulations could support the metal as consumers increasingly transition toward hybrid vehicles, which still use autocatalysts, rather than moving directly from to BEVs.

Volatile fuel costs and tight supplies linked to the Middle East conflict are encouraging countries to reduce exposure to fossil-fuel price volatility.

Additionally, Hyundai's plans to introduce 10 new hybrid models in North America further supports demand for the metal.

However, major producing countries, particularly Russia and South Africa, continue to face geopolitical tensions and operational vulnerabilities in mining infrastructure, constraining supply.