Gold subdued as dollar ticks higher; investors eye Fed outlook

GOLD prices were flat on Wednesday (Oct 26) on a firmer dollar, although the bullion was anchored in a narrow range with investors awaiting further guidance on US Federal Reserve’s policy tightening.

Spot gold was flat at US$1,653.06 per ounce, as of 0118 GMT, while US gold futures were down 0.2 per cent at US$1,654.20.

The dollar index was up 0.1 per cent, reducing gold’s appeal for overseas buyers. The greenback was, however, not far from the three-week low touched on Tuesday.

US Senate Banking Committee chair Sherrod Brown on Tuesday urged Fed chair Jerome Powell to be careful about tightening monetary policy so much that millions of Americans already suffering from high inflation also lose their jobs.

The Fed is widely expected to deliver a fourth straight supersized interest-rate hike when they meet in November.

Rising interest rates dim bullion’s appeal as they increase the opportunity cost of holding the non-yielding asset.

US consumer confidence ebbed in October after two straight monthly increases amid rising concerns about inflation and a possible recession next year.

German business morale was nearly unchanged in October, defying forecasts of further decline thanks to an improvement in companies’ expectations, a survey showed on Tuesday, even as analysts say all signs continue to point to a recession ahead.

Top gold consumer, China’s net gold imports via Hong Kong halved from the previous month in September, data showed on Tuesday.

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Gold firms on softer dollar, investors await Fed cues

Spot silver fell 0.1 per cent to US$19.32 per ounce, platinum dipped 0.1 per cent to US$914.04 and palladium rose 0.9 per cent to US$1,940.55. REUTERS