Gold prices fall to two-week low after US Fed comments

Dubai gold prices fell on Monday, offering a slight respite to UAE shoppers from higher rates following predictions of a possible U.S. interest rate increase. The price of 24K gold decreased to Dh533 per gram from Dh536.75, while 22K gold dropped to Dh493.75 from Dh497. This comes as global gold markets grapple with a more aggressive outlook for U.S. interest rates, following Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh's comments indicating that policymakers still have "work to do" to bring inflation down to the central bank's 2% target.

The decline in gold prices was driven by traders increasing their bets on a U.S. rate hike in September, with Reuters reporting a 58% chance of a rate hike, up from 36% before Warsh's remarks. The probability of a December rate hike also rose to 89%, according to the CME FedWatch tool. Investors typically view gold as less appealing when interest rates and bond yields rise, as the precious metal does not generate interest or dividends.

Dubai gold prices are showing a trend of short-term decline. Analysts note that the metal has slipped below $4,600 an ounce ahead of Warsh's speech, with part of the drop attributed to profit-taking after bullion reached a three-month high earlier in the week. Nevertheless, the broader picture for gold remains supportive, with investment flows, central-bank accumulation, and concerns over U.S. fiscal sustainability continuing to underpin the bullish backdrop.

Despite the recent dip, gold prices in India also experienced a slight decrease. The price of 24K gold fell to ₹156,760 per 10 grams from ₹158,240, and 22K gold dropped to ₹143,700 per 10 grams from ₹145,050. The decline in gold prices in India is attributed to weakened demand as market speculation suggests the government might consider reversing a recent increase in import duties.