Gold prices inched higher on Monday in early Asian trading, with spot gold up 0.3% at $4,208.55 an ounce by 03:28 ET (08:28 GMT). U.S. Gold Futures for February were slightly lower at $4,237.10. The metal benefited from a softer U.S. dollar, which hovered near a five-week low, alongside strong market expectations that the Federal Reserve will deliver a rate cut at its Dec. 9–10 meeting.
Weaker economic indicators and Friday’s inflation data have strengthened bets on Fed easing, though investors exercised caution, keeping gains modest. Lower interest rates reduce the opportunity cost of holding bullion, while a depreciating dollar makes gold more attractive for international buyers.
Fed Easing Bets Drive Demand
Several U.S. economic releases reinforced expectations that the Fed will loosen monetary policy:
- Private-sector payrolls showed slower growth, indicating softening labor-market momentum.
- Core Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE), the Fed’s preferred inflation gauge, reflected only mild monthly gains, with annual inflation drifting lower.
These signals suggest that a quarter-point rate cut is increasingly likely. However, recent remarks from Fed officials cautioning against premature easing have injected uncertainty. Traders now await Chair Jerome Powell’s press conference for clarity on the central bank’s next steps.
Other supporting factors include a weak dollar and subdued U.S. Treasury yields, which combined create a favorable backdrop for gold. Still, some gains are capped by Treasury yield movements and market caution.
Other Metals Remain Range-Bound
Precious and industrial metals largely traded sideways amid a cautious market tone.
- Silver Futures fell 0.6% to $58.71 per ounce.
- Platinum Futures dropped 0.3% to $1,663.60 per ounce.
- Benchmark London Copper rose 0.3% to $11,681.20 per ton, while U.S. copper fell 0.7% to $4.67 per pound.
Overall, the metals market remains sensitive to both U.S. monetary policy and broader economic sentiment. Gold continues to stand out as a safe-haven hedge amid Fed-driven volatility and global macroeconomic uncertainty.
Investors are likely to maintain focus on dollar movements, Fed signals, and upcoming economic releases, which could define short-term trends in bullion and other metals.
