Gold drops over 1% as oil rally reinforces higher-for-longer rate outlook

Gold prices plummeted more than 1% on Thursday, as surging oil prices raised inflation worries and suggested interest rates could remain elevated for an extended period. By 3:33 AM GMT, spot gold had slipped 1.1% to $4,094.90 per ounce, its lowest level since October 14. US gold futures for December delivery fell 0.9% to $4,111.40.

Analyst Kelvin Wong of OANDA noted that a continuing rise in oil prices could spur inflation expectations, heightening the odds of higher interest rates in the longer term and negatively impacting gold. While stubborn inflation, largely driven by soaring energy prices, has supported the notion of tighter monetary policy, Federal Reserve officials are anticipated to be cautious for the time being.

Traders currently view a 16% probability of a rate hike at the Fed's October 27-28 policy meeting, but anticipate a 90% likelihood of an increase in December, according to CME's FedWatch Tool. Investors are looking ahead to next week's Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) data, a crucial inflation indicator relied upon by the central bank.

The metal is targeting the October 14 low of $4,073 per ounce, with resistance at $4,135, a break through which could propel gold higher into the $4,150-$4,169 range, according to Reuters technical analyst Wang Tao. Silver prices dipped 2.6% to $56.44 per ounce, platinum fell 2.1% to $1,594.25, and palladium declined 2.6% to $1,059.05.