Gold subdued as traders await PCE data

Bengaluru — Gold prices were subdued on Wednesday ahead of crucial US inflation data due this week, which could offer more clarity on the timing of the Federal Reserve’s first interest rate cut in 2024.

Spot gold was flat at $2,319.95/oz by 3.37am GMT. US gold futures held their ground at $2,331.30.

The dollar rose 0.1% against its rivals, making gold more expensive for other currency holders, while benchmark 10-year yields also edged higher.

“Higher treasury yields and a firmer US dollar overnight on the back of hawkish Fed comments have driven some weakness in gold prices this morning, as the call for a quicker policy easing failed to find much validation from policymakers,” said IG market strategist Yeap Jun Rong.

US Fed governor Michelle Bowman on Tuesday reiterated her view that holding the policy rate steady “for some time” will probably be enough to bring inflation under control, but also repeated her willingness to raise borrowing costs if needed. Meanwhile, Fed governor Lisa Cook said “at some point” it will be time to cut interest rates.

The US first-quarter GDP estimates are due on Thursday, and the personal consumption expenditures (PCE) price index report on Friday.

“The risks comes with any upside surprise in inflation, which could trigger more uncertainty around Fed policies and may see further unwinding in the yellow metal,” IG’s Jun Rong said.

Higher rates increase the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding bullion.

“Dips in the gold price remain relatively shallow courtesy of buyers stepping in from the sidelines on price retreats,” Tim Waterer, chief market analyst at KCM Trade, said in a note.

Waterer added that the $2,368 level would need to be breached for gold to surpass the highs from last week.

Spot silver rose 0.1% to $28.94, platinum climbed 0.8% to $989.70, while palladium lost 0.5% to $943.49.

Reuters