Gold eases on firmer dollar ahead of Fed decision

Gold prices dipped on Tuesday as the US dollar strengthened and investors awaited guidance from the Federal Reserve on interest rates. Spot gold fell 0.2% to $4,007.29 per ounce, while December delivery futures dropped 0.5% to $4,019.70. A steady US dollar reduced the attractiveness of greenback-priced bullion for overseas buyers.

Analyst Ilya Spivak noted that gold was "digesting within Friday's range" after a significant drop the previous week. A break below $3,900 could trigger a further decline, potentially testing the $3,800 level. Gold had fallen below $4,000 for the first time since mid-July, marking its worst weekly performance in about four months, driven by higher energy prices and concerns about inflation.

The Federal Reserve signaled no further US rate hikes this week, but inflation worries kept investors skeptical about the pause lasting long. The market will be watching for the Fed's policy decision on Wednesday and upcoming Personal Consumption Expenditures data on Thursday, the central bank's primary inflation gauge. Traders currently give an 11% chance of a rate hike this week and an 82% probability of a December increase, according to the CME's FedWatch Tool.

While gold is typically viewed as an inflation hedge, higher interest rates diminish its appeal as a non-yielding asset. On the geopolitical front, the Saudi-led coalition reported on Tuesday that it had intercepted and destroyed three ballistic missiles and drones launched by Houthis towards Saudi Arabia. Silver slipped 0.7% to $53.53 per ounce, platinum fell 0.8% to $1,514.16, and palladium declined 1.5% to $1,034.75.