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Gold wanders higher after information supports US rate-cut bets

Gold prices got on Friday after current data supported bets for a Federal Reserve rate of interest cut next month, while market participants awaited the U.S. Manufacturer Cost Index (PPI) report for additional direction.

Area gold increased 0.5% to $2,641.70 per ounce by 0245 GMT however was down about 0.4% for the week. Costs hit a record high of $2,685.42 last month.

U.S. gold futures gained 0.7% to $2,658.90.

The dollar index fell from a two-month high, making bullion more appealing for other currency holders.

Information on Thursday showed that U.S. consumer rates rose somewhat more than expected in September, while jobless claims increased to 258,000 in the week ended Oct. 5, versus estimates of 230,000. All eyes are now on the PPI data due at 1230 GMT.

Gold is seeing short-term gains as recent data has been favorable. If the PPI data is available in softer, gold's momentum could continue up, said Kelvin Wong, OANDA's senior market analyst for Asia Pacific.

From a technical view point, in the near-term, gold might retest $2,657 and if it breaks above that, then test levels near its all-time high.

Markets presently see an 84.4% opportunity of a 25-basis-point rate reduction in November and a 15.6% likelihood of the Fed keeping rates on hold, according to CME's FedWatch.

Lower rates of interest decrease the opportunity cost of holding bullion.

Elsewhere, Israeli strikes on main Beirut on Thursday night eliminated 22 individuals, Lebanon's health ministry said.

Analysts have kept in mind that an escalation in the Middle East situation could further support gold, which is considered a safe possession during times of chaos.

To name a few metals, area silver increased 0.2% to $31.25. per ounce and platinum climbed up 0.9% to $975.65. Both. metals were headed for weekly declines.

Palladium climbed 1.2% to $1,082.07 per ounce and was. up 1% for the week.

(source: Reuters)