Gold prices tread water as markets weigh Fed policy path
Gold prices edged lower on Tuesday as the dollar stood firm near recent highs, although trading was fairly muted with markets looking for more cues on the U.S. Federal Reserve's policy path after a widely expected interest rate pause this month.
Spot gold was down 0.1% at $1,936.89 per ounce by 0356 GMT. U.S. gold futures fell 0.2% to $1,962.70 after a U.S. holiday on Monday.
"Much remains to be seen if rate cuts in 2024 follow and to what extent," said Harshal Barot, a senior consultant at Metals Focus, adding that the possibility of U.S. interest rates remaining higher for longer will keep gold price rallies in check.
And if the U.S. economy indeed sees a soft landing, there is potential for more downside in gold as some of the aggressive rate cut expectations in the second half of next year will be pared back, Barot said.
Recent U.S. economic data has backed bets of a soft landing scenario as worries about inflation and recession have somewhat eased, cemented expectations that the Fed might not have to raise interest rates further.
Investors will take cues on interest rates from Fed officials expected to speak during the week, ahead of the Sept. 19-20 policy meeting. [FED/DIARY]
According to the CME FedWatch tool, traders see a 93% chance of the Fed leaving rates unchanged at the meeting this month and about 60% chance that the rates would remain at current levels rest of the year.
Gold, which yields no interest, tends to lose its attraction when interest rates rise.
The U.S. dollar index held just below the 104.447 level reached on Aug. 25, which was the highest since early June, making greenback-priced metals more expensive for overseas buyers. [USD/] [US/]
Spot silver slipped 0.5% to $23.86 per ounce, platinum dipped 0.7% to $947.55 and palladium was flat at $1,221.66.
