Gold eases from seven-week peak, US inflation data looms

Prices hit their highest since Jun 17 on Friday

On Aug 10, gold prices retreated from a seven-week peak as investors capitalized on recent gains, awaiting fresh cues from US inflation data. Spot gold dipped 0.3% to $4,330.46 per ounce, while US gold futures fell 0.2% to $4,390.60. Economists attributed the decline to profit-taking following Friday's surge, driven by weak US nonfarm payrolls data.

The US economy unexpectedly shed jobs in July, with earlier reported job gains for the prior two months revised downward. This prompted a shift in expectations regarding interest rate hikes at the upcoming Federal Open Market Committee meeting. Market analysts noted that a lower interest rate environment could make gold more appealing compared to income-generating assets, as the precious metal does not generate interest.

Upcoming US data, including the Consumer Price Index (CPI) on Wednesday and Producer Price Index (PPI) on Thursday, may provide further insight into the Federal Reserve's interest rate trajectory. Geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Middle East, remain a concern, with Iran reportedly nearing a final deal with Oman regarding shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz, though the US must meet specific conditions.

Meanwhile, silver rose 0.3% to $63.77 per ounce, platinum increased 0.2% to $1,748.80, while palladium declined 1% to $1,364.55.

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