Gold prices are a bit higher in early-afternoon U.S. trading Monday, on tepid safe-haven demand from geopolitical developments that tanked world stock markets today. Still, bulls are disappointed their yellow metal could not muster more price strength on a day when traders and investors were on edge. June gold futures were last up $2.30 an ounce at $1,283.60. July Comex silver was last down $0.048 at $14.93 an ounce. World stock markets were rattled and traded sharply lower Monday on news that President Trump tweeted a threat to further increase U.S. trade tariffs on Chinese goods. However, U.S. stock indexes were well off their daily lows in midday price action. The sense of the marketplace had been that a U.S.-China trade deal was close and could be finalized late this week. Other commodity markets were also roiled today on ideas an escalation in the U.S.-China trade war would translate into slower global economic growth. Reports said the Chinese trade delegation is still headed to the U.S. for talks this week. Upon reflection, many traders and investors realized they should not have become so optimistic on the trade war being resolved, given Trump's propensity to make knee-jerk decisions. China stock markets fell from 5% to 7% overnight, making those losses the largest one-day declines in three years. The Chinese yuan plunged on the world foreign exchange market. The U.S. dollar index is trading slightly down today, while Nymex crude oil prices slightly up and trading around $62.00 a barrel. Adding to geopolitical concerns to start the trading week, the U.S. is sending a naval task force, including an aircraft carrier, to the Middle East as a show of force against Iran. A U.S. official said the U.S. warships are “fully prepared” to respond to any attack from Iran or others.