Latest News

Gold rises on Fed rate cut hopes, Middle East stress

Gold prices firmed on Monday, as expectations that the U.S. Federal Reserve would start cutting rates of interest later on in the year and tensions in the Middle East raised bullion's appeal.

Spot gold increased 0.6% to $2,314.31 per ounce by 0636 GMT. U.S. gold futures was up 0.6% to $2,322.20.

Investors will look at the political circumstance in the Middle East and how the ongoing negotiations for a ceasefire play out. If the hopes of a truce ended up being lesser, gold will gain, said Kelvin Wong, a senior market expert for Asia Pacific at OANDA.

Prospects for a Gaza ceasefire appeared slim on Sunday as Hamas restated its need for an end to the war in exchange for the without hostages but Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu flatly ruled that out. Israel military gotten in touch with Palestinian civilians to evacuate Rafah as part of a 'minimal. scope' operation.

Weaker U.S. information provides more policy flexibility for the Fed. in terms of rate cuts, paving way for gold rates to stabilise,. stated IG market strategist Yeap Jun Rong.

Data on Friday showed U.S. task growth slowed more than. anticipated in April, reinforcing expectations that the Fed will. begin cutting rates later this year.

Markets are pricing in a 70% chance of a U.S. rate cut in. September, based on CME's FedWatch Tool. Lower interest rates. minimize the opportunity expense of holding bullion.

New York Fed Bank President John Williams stated on Friday. that the 2% target for inflation is critical to the Fed's. efforts to attain cost stability.

On the other hand, the Perth Mint's gold product sales in April. leapt two-fold from a month previously, while silver sales was up to. their most affordable since December.

Spot silver advanced 1.7% to $26.98 per ounce,. platinum was flat at $955.42 and palladium got. 0.5% to $950.19.