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Gold lingers near record highs, Powell's speech eyed for rate hints

Gold costs were stable on Thursday, hovering close to record highs, on expectations of another big U.S. rate cut this year, although gains were limited ahead of remarks by crucial Federal Reserve policymakers later on in the day.

Spot gold was up 0.2% at $2,661.25 per ounce, since 0334 GMT. Bullion hit a record high of $2,670.43 on Wednesday. U.S. gold futures were consistent at $2,684.50.

A moderate bounce from the U.S. dollar has handled to keep the gold rate in check, however with markets still preparing for more aggressive cuts from the Fed between now and year-end, the risk appears to be to the upside for the gold market, said stated Tim Waterer, primary market expert at KCM Trade.

Bullion has risen almost 29% up until now in 2024 and struck record highs numerous times this year, largely sustained by financial policy easing by significant international banks and geopolitical issues.

Lower rates reduce the opportunity expense of holding bullion, which is also considered as a safe asset in the middle of economic and political turmoil.

Last Wednesday, the Fed delivered a 50-basis-point rate cut, with traders seeing a 62% possibility of an extra half-percentage-point reduction in November, according to the CME FedWatch Tool.

Fed Chair Jerome Powell is set to give opening remarks at a. conference on Wednesday, where New York City Fed President John. Williams and Fed Vice Chair for Guidance Michael Barr are. also arranged to speak.

In addition, U.S. unemployed claims data on Thursday and the. core personal intake expenditure (PCE) index - the Fed's. chosen inflation - on Friday, will be eyed for further rate. hints.

Gold prices are presently fluctuating within a range of. $ 2,610 to $2,690, showing an upward pattern, unless the PCE or. labor figures exceed expectations, stated Nicholas Frappell,. worldwide head of institutional markets at ABC Refinery.

Area silver was constant at $31.85 per ounce, platinum. increased 0.8% to $995.90 and palladium acquired 1.2% to. $ 1,048.75.

(source: Reuters)