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Gold increases as soft US economic data stimulates Fed rate cut bets

Gold prices increased on Monday as weakerthanexpected U.S. economic data sealed expectations that the Federal Reserve would cut rates of interest later on this year, sending out the dollar and bond yields lower.

Area gold was up 0.9% at $2,347.12 per ounce as of 2:38 p.m. ET (1838 GMT), after posting a 2% gain last month. Prices struck an all-time high of $2,449.89 on May 20.

U.S. gold futures settled 1% greater at $2,369.3 per ounce.

We have actually had a little bit of a pullback, we 'd choose to call it a. debt consolidation. However once again, the underpinning favorable predisposition really. originates from strong expectation that we are moving towards a. rate of interest cuts at some time later on this year, said David. Meger, director of alternative financial investments and trading at High. Ridge Futures.

Data revealed U.S. production activity slowed for a second. straight month in May, and U.S. building and construction costs fell. all of a sudden for a second successive month in April on declines. in non-residential activity.

The dollar was up to a three-week low against its. rivals, making gold more appealing for other currency holders,. while Criteria U.S. Treasury yields was up to a two-week low. after soft production information.

Data on Friday revealed that the U.S. inflation had stabilised. in April, suggesting the U.S. central bank's interest rate cut. plans later on this year stayed intact.

Traders are currently pricing in about a 59% opportunity of a Fed. rate cut in September, according to CME FedWatch tool. Lower. rate of interest cut the chance cost of holding non-yielding. bullion.

On the other hand, The European Central Bank is seen almost particular. to cut rates by a quarter point to 3.75% on Thursday, which. might make it the very first significant central bank to cut rates this. cycle.

Financiers now anticipate Wednesday's ADP work. report, and U.S. non-farm payrolls information due on Friday.

Elsewhere, spot silver got 0.7% to $30.57 per. ounce, platinum slipped 1.9% to $1,017.55 and palladium. gotten 1.6% to $918.62.

(source: Reuters)