Gold firms on inflation bets; focus on Fed policy verdict

[BENGALURU] Gold prices edged up on Wednesday to hover near their highest in more than two weeks on prospects of higher inflation, although trade was range-bound as investors exercised caution ahead of the US Federal Reserve's two-day policy meet outcome.

Spot gold was up 0.2 per cent at US$1,734.00 per ounce by 3.10am GMT, having touched a high of US$1,740.90 since March 1. US gold futures were up 0.1 per cent to US$1,731.90.

"Gold appears to be finding few friends finally even as US yields and the dollar continue to grind higher ... perhaps gold's inflation hedging role is quietly returning to prominence and that is supporting prices," said Oanda senior market analyst Jeffrey Halley.

Some investors view gold as a hedge against higher inflation that could follow stimulus measures, but a resultant rise in Treasury yields tends to dull the appeal of the non-yielding commodity.

"Gold's true test though will come once the FOMC meeting concludes and if it can remain steady in the face of another spike in US yields, should that occur."

The US dollar gained for the fourth session, supported by elevated benchmark US Treasury yields on expectations of a strong economic recovery after a US$1.9 trillion recovery package was signed into a law last week.

The Fed is expected to announce its decision on interest rates at 6pm GMT on Wednesday. Investors will eye policymakers' remarks on a recent spike in bond yields, fears about rising inflation and the economic outlook.

While the market awaits the Fed statement, the technical picture remains bearish, Avtar Sandu, senior commodities manager at Phillip Futures, said in a note.

"A trade through US$1,696 will signal a resumption of the downtrend. The main trend will change upwards when buyers take up positions above US$1,760 an ounce."

In other metals, silver fell 0.4 per cent to US$25.86 an ounce.

Palladium shed 0.2 per cent to US$2,492.50, having hit a one-year high of US$2,520.31 on Tuesday and platinum was down 0.4 per cent at US$1,207.79.

REUTERS