Gold Subdued as Investors Focus on US Inflation Data

An employee at a gold shop in Khan El Khalili, Cairo (Reuters)

Gold prices struggled for momentum on Monday as investors looked forward to a key inflation report that could shed more light on the US central bank's next policy move.
Spot gold eased 0.13% to $2,427.86 per ounce by 0352 GMT, trading in a narrow $10 price range. US gold futures slipped 0.3% to $2,466.40.
"I don't think people will want to make big commitments ahead of the data," said Ilya Spivak, head of global macro, Tastylive.
The US consumer price index (CPI) data, due on Wednesday, is expected to show that headline and core prices rose 0.2% month-on-month.
"Further inflation progress reflected in the upcoming CPI data could see gold eye for a retest of its all-time high once more," said IG market strategist Yeap Jun Rong.
Currently, the market sees a 54% chance of a 50 basis point rate cut at the Federal Reserve's September meeting, according to the CME FedWatch Tool.
Non-yielding bullion's appeal tends to shine in a low interest rate environment.
Fed Governor Michelle Bowman softened her usually hawkish tone ever so slightly on Saturday, noting some further "welcome" progress on inflation even as she said inflation remains "uncomfortably above" the central bank's 2% goal.
Elsewhere, Palestinian militant group Hamas on Sunday asked mediators to present a plan based upon previous talks instead of engaging in new negotiations for a Gaza ceasefire deal, raising doubts about its participation in Thursday's meeting.
Among other metals, spot silver fell 0.3% to $27.36 per ounce, platinum shed 0.47% to $917.83 and palladium fell 0.2% to $903.48.