Security forces launch operation in Tartous, erstwhile stronghold of fallen Assad government
world2 hours ago
Gold steadied on Friday, but remained below this week's three-month top as the US dollar and Treasury yields came off their highs after the currency initially jumped on US President Donald Trump's promise of a major tax announcement.
Spot gold was up 0.02 percent at $1,230.78 an ounce by 2:24 p.m. EST (1924 GMT), while U.S. gold futures for April delivery settled down 0.07 percent at $1,235.90. On Wednesday, spot gold reached its highest since mid-November at $1,244.67.
Gold prices were on track for a second weekly gain, up 1 per cent from late last Friday.
The dollar pared gains against a currency basket on Friday after earlier strength from US President Donald Trump's pledge to announce a major tax plan within weeks cooled some market nerves, reinvigorating dollar bulls.
Wall Street hit record highs for a second day on hopes of the business-friendly tax cuts.
"The dollar puts a little pressure on gold however the strength in the equity markets and the strength in the other precious metals is lifting gold up," said Eli Tesfaye, senior market strategist for brokerage RJO Futures in Chicago, as gold prices moved into positive territory.
"It's really the intermarket relationship that's stabilizing gold right now."
Silver was up 1.5 per cent at $17.91 an ounce, after tapping $17.99, the highest since November 11. Palladium rose 1.6 per cent to $782, after rising to $786.40, the highest since January 25.
"Both silver and palladium are up on the day as an improving China signals a better global economy and gives support to the more industrial metals of the group," said aid Miguel Perez-Santalla, vice president of Heraeus Metal Management in New York.
Earlier in the session, however, gold prices were lower.
"The Trumpflation trade is back on the agenda, which is negative for gold," Commerzbank analyst Carsten Fritsch said.
US economic data has also stoked talk that the Federal Reserve would press ahead with US interest rate hikes sooner rather than later. U.S. import prices rose more than expected in January, while initial jobless claims dropped unexpectedly last week to the lowest in nearly 43 years.
Gold is highly sensitive to rising US interest rates, which increase the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding bullion while boosting the dollar, in which it is priced.
The major physical markets in Asia were mixed this week as Indian jewelers stocked up for wedding season, while rising prices sidelined buyers elsewhere.
Platinum was down 0.6 per cent at $1,006.10.
Security forces launch operation in Tartous, erstwhile stronghold of fallen Assad government
world2 hours ago
It is the first time such a door had been opened by a pope at a prison since the start of the Jubilee year tradition by Pope Boniface VIII in 1300
world2 hours ago
The role of Jordan in caring for the holy sites and endowments have to be respected in accordance with international law, the ministry says
uae3 hours ago
From watching the sun set to playing with bubbles, here's what you can do this weekend
things to do in the uae3 hours ago
From watching your favourite stars walk the red carpet to musical and dance performances; the grand spectacle will celebrate entertainment at its best
kt network3 hours ago
Former prime minister Khan’s arrest in May 2023 sparked countrywide protests that saw his supporters attack and ransack military installations
asia3 hours ago
Debutant Sam Konstas came up with a fearless knock against India on the first day of the fourth Test at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground
cricket3 hours ago
220,000 people were killed in 2004 when a tsunami hit coastlines around the Indian Ocean in one of the world's worst natural disasters
asia3 hours ago