Gold Prices Hold Steady as Investors Await US Fed Policy Cues

A participant shows gold bars during the 21st edition of the international gold and jewelry exhibition at the Kuwait International Fairgrounds in Kuwait City on May 23, 2024. (Photo by Yasser AL ZAYYAT / AFP)
A participant shows gold bars during the 21st edition of the international gold and jewelry exhibition at the Kuwait International Fairgrounds in Kuwait City on May 23, 2024. (Photo by Yasser AL ZAYYAT / AFP)
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Gold Prices Hold Steady as Investors Await US Fed Policy Cues

A participant shows gold bars during the 21st edition of the international gold and jewelry exhibition at the Kuwait International Fairgrounds in Kuwait City on May 23, 2024. (Photo by Yasser AL ZAYYAT / AFP)
A participant shows gold bars during the 21st edition of the international gold and jewelry exhibition at the Kuwait International Fairgrounds in Kuwait City on May 23, 2024. (Photo by Yasser AL ZAYYAT / AFP)

Gold prices remained steady on Wednesday, as investors awaited the US Federal Reserve's decision on interest rates due later in the day, while also focusing on US President Donald Trump's trade policies following his tariff threats.

Spot gold eased 0.2% to $2,758.49 per ounce by 09:55 a.m. ET (1455 GMT), while US gold futures rose 0.3% to $2,775.60, widening the premium over spot gold rates.

The Fed is scheduled to release its latest policy decision and statement at 2 p.m. EST (1900 GMT), with Fed Chair Jerome Powell due to hold a press conference half an hour later to elaborate on the meeting.

The US central bank is widely expected to hold interest rates steady as it awaits further inflation and jobs data and more clarity on the economic impact of Trump's policies before deciding whether to cut borrowing costs again.

"However, the Fed's commentary in regards to the potential for an interest rate cut in the March meeting is going to be in focus," said David Meger, director of metals trading at High Ridge Futures.

Gold prices neared all-time highs last week after Trump called for lower interest rates. Bullion tends to thrive in a low-interest-rate environment as it yields no interest.

Prices, however, retreated sharply on Monday as a sell-off in technology stocks, driven by Chinese AI model DeepSeek, sparked a rush to liquidate bullion to counter losses, according to Reuters.

The sell-off in the stock market seen on Monday may not be over and the unpredictability of Trump's policies is contributing to an increased demand for gold as a safe-haven, said Jim Wyckoff, a senior market analyst at Kitco Metals.

Trump still plans to make good on his promise to issue tariffs on Canada and Mexico, and his policies are widely seen as inflationary.

Elsewhere, spot silver gained 1.7% to $30.92 per ounce, platinum also added 0.5% to $946.45. Palladium was up 0.8% to $962.50.



SAMI to Showcase Cutting-Edge Innovations at Saudi Pavilion at IDEX 2025

SAMI to Showcase Cutting-Edge Innovations at Saudi Pavilion at IDEX 2025
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SAMI to Showcase Cutting-Edge Innovations at Saudi Pavilion at IDEX 2025

SAMI to Showcase Cutting-Edge Innovations at Saudi Pavilion at IDEX 2025

The Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI), a Public Investment Fund company, announced on Sunday its participation in the International Defense Exhibition and Conference (IDEX) 2025 under the Saudi Pavilion led and organized by the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI).

The exhibition is scheduled to take place from February 17 to 21 in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

The Saudi Pavilion will bring together leading Saudi government agencies and companies specialized in the field of military industries, where SAMI will showcase its latest products across its various divisions.

In a statement, SAMI said key exhibits will feature SAMI Land’s upgraded SAMI Light Armored Tactical Vehicle (SLTV) with new and improved specifications, and ROAYA, the Remote Turret—both cutting-edge products designed and built entirely in Saudi Arabia.

SAMI AEC will showcase its innovations in command, control, communications, and intelligence (C4I) systems, alongside other advanced systems and products.

As Saudi Arabia’s leading national defense partner, SAMI's presence at IDEX 2025 underscores its commitment to supporting Vision 2030’s goal of localizing 50% of the Kingdom’s defense spending.

"Through its participation, SAMI highlights the remarkable growth and transformation within the Kingdom’s defense sector, fostering innovation, empowering national talent, and strengthening Saudi Arabia’s position on the global stage," said the statement.