Gold edges lower as hot US inflation bolsters Fed rate hike bets

Gold's price dipped slightly on Friday, as heightened US inflation fueled expectations of an imminent Fed rate increase. The core consumer price index climbed 0.3% month-over-month, indicating hotter-than-anticipated inflation. Gold had fallen for three consecutive weeks, trading near $4,340 per ounce. Core inflation rose by 0.3% in August, bolstering the likelihood of the Federal Reserve's first rate hike in three years during their upcoming meeting.

Higher interest rates typically weigh on gold, which does not yield income. However, the Fed's decision could trigger criticism from President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly called for lower rates. Meanwhile, geopolitical tensions in the Middle East drove oil prices higher, exacerbating inflation concerns. Brent crude surged toward $107 a barrel, following a nearly 9% increase last week.

A planned Iran-Gulf nations meeting to establish a temporary shipping lane in the Strait of Hormuz was delayed, complicating efforts to boost oil shipments. Gold has fluctuated between roughly $4,400 and $4,340 since rebounding from a July low of $4,000. Despite near-term challenges, many investors still anticipate gold to gradually rise as it reasserts its role as a portfolio hedge.

Spot gold closed at $4,339.96 per ounce in Singapore, down 0.2% from the previous trading session. Silver and platinum also declined.