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Gold strikes one-month high as prospects for Fed cuts rise on softer US inflation data

Gold costs firmed near onemonth highs hit earlier on Thursday after a softerthanexpected core U.S. inflation print increased opportunities of two Federal Reserve rate cuts this year, with the first most likely in June.

Area gold got 0.3% to $2,704.56 per ounce since 0934 GMT after striking its highest level given that Dec. 12 earlier in the session. U.S. gold futures acquired 0.7% to $ 2,736.50.

Further gains in safe-haven bullion were, however, restricted as Hamas and Israel reached an offer for a ceasefire in Gaza after 15 months of conflict and heightened Middle East stress.

Gold rallied to multiple-record highs and is still up almost 50% given that the war began in October 2023.

Although de-escalating geopolitical tensions can dilute demand for safe havens, bullion is still hanging on to most of its post-CPI gains, suggesting that the Fed rate outlook stays the primary motorist for gold rates, said Exinity Group chief market analyst Han Tan.

Gold needs to find itself in an encouraging environment, so long as market individuals can hang on to expectations for Fed rate cuts in 2025.

Rate of interest futures traders are pricing in near-even chances that the Fed would decrease rates twice by the end of this year, with the very first reduction to come in June. Before the inflation information on Wednesday, futures were only pricing a single quarter-point interest-rate cut in 2025.

Core U.S. inflation increased 0.2% in December after rising 0.3% for four straight months.

Reserve bank officials kept in mind U.S. inflation continues to ease after Wednesday's information, but predict unpredictability due to anticipated Trump administration policies.

Investors are fretted that the potential for tariffs after Donald Trump returns to the White Home next week might stoke inflation and limit the Fed's ability to lower rates to a. higher level.

Non-yielding bullion, a hedge against inflation, loses its. appeal with higher rate of interest.

Elsewhere, spot silver increased 0.7% to $30.87 per ounce. and platinum firmed 0.6% to $944.23, while palladium. fell 0.8% to $953.49.

(source: Reuters)