Gold edges lower as focus shifts to US inflation data

Gold prices dipped on Tuesday as traders cashed in on a more than 1% rally from the previous session and awaited crucial US inflation data. Spot gold fell 0.6% to $4,114.48 per ounce, while US gold futures for December delivery slipped 0.2% to $4,123.50. Market commentator Kyle Rodda attributed the price dip to "a bit of churn in the market," noting that it may be due to profit-taking.

He also suggested that if the US avoids escalating tensions in the Middle East and oil prices reverse, it would be advantageous for gold due to its effect on the dollar, inflation, and interest rate expectations.

The United States President, Donald Trump, announced on Monday that he intends to refrain from additional military strikes against Iran for now, following appeals from regional countries including Qatar's prime minister during White House discussions. Oil prices declined on Tuesday, continuing their slide from the prior day. The Federal Reserve, the central bank of the United States, is advised to handle monetary policy "with care" as it navigates a response to inflation, which remains the bank's most significant risk, according to Richmond Federal Reserve President Tom Barkin on Monday. He added that he has no specific plan for what should be done at the December meeting.

Currently, traders estimate an 84% probability that the US Federal Reserve will raise interest rates in December, as per the CME's FedWatch tool. Elevated interest rates elevate the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding bullion, diminishing its allure to investors. Investors are now eagerly anticipating the release of the consumer price index report later in the day, followed by producer price index data on Friday.

Silver slipped 0.5% to $53.14 per ounce, platinum remained steady at $1,576.44 per ounce, and palladium declined 0.2% to $1,039.47 per ounce.