Gold hits 1-week high on softer dollar after Jerome Powell's comment
Gold prices rose to a one-week high on Thursday, supported by a slightly weaker dollar, while traders digested fairly balanced comments from U.S. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell after a widely expected interest rate hike.
Spot gold was up 0.3% at $1,977.13 per ounce, as of 0352 GMT, after earlier hitting its highest since July 20, while U.S. gold futures rose 0.4% to $1,978.70.
Gold prices could be volatile because of the Fed mentioning another rate hike for the year, with bullion probably seeing a slight movement up, said Brian Lan of Singapore dealer GoldSilver Central, adding that it all depends on upcoming data.
The Fed raised interest rates by a quarter-of-a-percentage point on Wednesday, highlighting that another 25 basis-point hike could be in September based on a wide range of data. However, Powell flagged they were no longer forecasting a U.S. recession.
Gold is highly sensitive to rising interest rates as they increase the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding bullion.
The dollar index was lower, supporting bullion as a weaker dollar makes gold cheaper for holders of other currencies. [USD/]
Later in the day, the United States is expected to report gross domestic product increased at a 1.8% annualised rate in the second quarter, down from 2% in Q1.
Investors will also focus on the European Central Bank's policy decision later in the day, with the bank expected to raise rates for a ninth time and thereafter taking a "data-dependent" approach instead.
On Friday, traders will see if the Japanese central bank takes steps towards phasing out its yield control programme.
In China, industrial profits declined 16.8% year-to-date as waning demand took a toll on corporate profit margins, bolstering the case for more supportive policy to help the economy.
Spot silver rose 0.5% to $25.04 per ounce, platinum gained 0.7% to $967.97 and palladium was up 0.4% to $1,264.64.
