Gold prices have experienced their largest monthly drop in 17 years, with the price falling below the 4,000 mark and hitting a 7-month low. The decline occurred despite geopolitical conflict and appears to be driven by rate hike expectations and profit-taking. Reports of the price surge and drop vary, with some outlets citing a low near the $4,000 mark and others mentioning a price near $4,084 or a plummet toward the $4,900 mark.