Gold hits over 3-month high ahead of US inflation data, Fed chair speech

Gold prices soared to their highest level in over three months on August 24, buoyed by a weaker US dollar and anticipation of key economic data and a speech from Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh. Spot gold rose 0.9% to $4,643.63 per ounce, marking the highest level since mid-May, after surging more than 5% the previous week. US gold futures also increased by 0.4% to $4,699.10.

The US dollar's uncertainty and the Treasury's promise to repurchase long bonds have unsettled the market. Analyst Tim Waterer noted that the upcoming July Personal Consumption Expenditures price index and Fed Chair Warsh's speech at the Jackson Hole symposium will provide crucial insights into the US interest rate outlook. Traders will closely monitor the tone of Warsh's speech to gauge its potential impact on gold's gains.

Geopolitically, the US has warned Iran of "the greatest financial offensive ever marshalled" as it prepares to impose sanctions on Iran's trade partners. Oil prices fell as investors cashed in ahead of the sanctions announcement. Silver rose 0.1% to $69.03 per ounce, while platinum increased 0.5% to $1,887.28, and palladium climbed 0.3% to $1,353.34.