Gold prices edged higher on Monday and hovered near a seven-month high, supported by a weaker dollar and hopes that the Federal Reserve might slow its pace of interest rate hike.
- Spot gold GOLD was up 0.2% at $1,868.89 per ounce, as of 0016 GMT. U.S. gold futures GOLD also inched 0.2% higher at $1,873.80.
- The dollar index DXY was down 0.2%, making gold cheaper for overseas buyers.
- U.S. contracted in December for the first time in more than 2-1/2 years amid weakening demand, offering more evidence that inflation was abating.
- Higher interest rates dim gold’s allure as an inflation hedge and raise the opportunity cost of holding the non-yielding bullion.
- Retail gold buying in major Asian hubs was slow on higher prices at the start of last week, while demand was seen picking up in top consumer China on the back of reopening and upcoming Lunar New Year festival.
- Spot silver XAGUSD1! gained 0.6% to $23.95, while platinum PL1! rose 0.5% to $1,094.97 while palladium XXPDUSD1! fell 0.1% to $1,804.30.
Source : Reuters
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