Gold on track for third weekly loss as US inflation data looms

Gold prices were poised for their third weekly decline on Friday, as traders anticipated a potential US rate hike and awaited key inflation data. Spot gold climbed by 0.2% to $4,324.79 per ounce by 0020 GMT, but had slipped more than 2% for the week. US gold futures for December delivery dropped 1% to $4,364.70. The eagerly-awaited US inflation report was scheduled for release at 12:30 GMT.

A recent Producer Price Index report for final demand had risen 0.4% in August, following a revised 0.1% gain in July. This prompted traders to increase their bets on an imminent Fed rate hike, causing spot gold to lose nearly 2% in value. Financial markets strategist at Exness, Wael Makarem, explained that stronger-than-expected inflation data would bolster arguments for multiple rate increases, potentially leading to higher Treasury yields and the US dollar, which would further weigh on gold.

Ongoing Middle East tensions, which could contribute to higher inflation expectations, may also continue to pressure gold. Despite gold's reputation as an inflation hedge, rising interest rates often put pressure on the metal, which provides no yield. Separately, Iran-aligned Houthis seized Yemen's port city of Mocha and advanced down the Red Sea coast to strategic islands, according to military sources.

They made this announcement shortly after US President Donald Trump expressed optimism that the Iran war would end after the midterm elections. Oil prices surged, and both major benchmarks were expected to finish the week above $100-a-barrel for the first time since mid-May. Silver fell 0.3% to $63.39, losing more than 4% for the week, while platinum edged down 0.2% to $1,773.93 and palladium slipped 0.3% to $1,278.51, with both metals expected to record weekly declines.