Gold prices today, Monday, August 17, 2026: Gold ticks up after lower retail sales report

On Monday, August 17, 2026, the price of gold rose slightly after a report showing lower retail sales. The December gold futures opened at $4,440 per troy ounce, up 0.1% from the previous Friday's closing price. The gold price remained at $4,440.10 per troy ounce in the early hours of the market. Analysts note that a weaker U.S. dollar and recent economic data, including a 0.6% decline in July retail sales, helped push the gold price up.

Retail sales for the month were lower than expected, with the U.S. Census Bureau reporting a 0.6% drop after nine months of growth. Consumer sentiment also declined after two months of higher ratings, with the University of Michigan's Surveys of Consumers indicating an 8% decrease in August. Despite these factors, softer economic data reduces the risk of immediate interest rate increases, which could support a higher gold price.

However, the situation remains uncertain due to ongoing Middle East conflicts, which may lead to increased inflation and safe-haven demand for gold. The opening price of gold futures on Monday, August 17, 2026, was 0.1% higher than the previous Friday's close.