Gold Rebounds on Dip Buying; US-China Trade Talks in Focus

A one kilogram gold cast bars with 99.99% purity is pressed and ready for sale at the ABC Refinery in Sydney, Australia, Wednesday, April 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)
A one kilogram gold cast bars with 99.99% purity is pressed and ready for sale at the ABC Refinery in Sydney, Australia, Wednesday, April 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)
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Gold Rebounds on Dip Buying; US-China Trade Talks in Focus

A one kilogram gold cast bars with 99.99% purity is pressed and ready for sale at the ABC Refinery in Sydney, Australia, Wednesday, April 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)
A one kilogram gold cast bars with 99.99% purity is pressed and ready for sale at the ABC Refinery in Sydney, Australia, Wednesday, April 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)

Gold prices firmed on Friday as investors bought bullion following an earlier dip in the session, while markets turned their focus to US-China trade talks this weekend.

Spot gold was up 0.3% to $3,316.29 an ounce, as of 0448 GMT. US gold futures firmed 0.5% to $3,321.60.

Spot gold retreated earlier in the session, touching a low of $3,274.38, as US President Donald Trump announced a trade deal with the UK on Thursday.

Trump and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a "breakthrough deal". A 10% tariff on goods imported from the UK remains in place, while Britain agreed to lower its tariffs to 1.8% from 5.1% and provide greater access to US goods.

"Buying gold on dips is still in vogue, which is so far limiting the downside moves despite safe haven demand drying up to a degree on the US-UK trade deal," KCM Trade Chief Market Analyst Tim Waterer said.

"How the US-China trade talks develop could be key in determining which side of $3,300 gold trades at next week."

Trump also said he expects there to be substantive negotiations between the US and China on trade this weekend and predicted that punitive US tariffs on Beijing of 145% would likely come down, Reuters said.

Gold, traditionally seen as a hedge against economic and political uncertainties, thrives in a low interest rate environment.

Several US Federal Reserve officials are due to speak later in the day for further insights into the economy and the central bank's policy path. This comes after the Fed held interest rates steady on Wednesday and warned of rising inflation and unemployment risks.

Meanwhile, Indian gold dealers offered discounts this week amid weak demand as a softer rupee lifted local prices to near-record highs, while buying in China picked up after a holiday.

Spot silver was steady at $32.48 an ounce, platinum rose 0.5% to $980.55 and palladium gained 0.2% to $978.21.



Saudi Ministry of Industry Launches Women in Mining Non-Profit Association

Saudi Ministry of Industry Launches Women in Mining Non-Profit Association
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Saudi Ministry of Industry Launches Women in Mining Non-Profit Association

Saudi Ministry of Industry Launches Women in Mining Non-Profit Association

The Saudi Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources announced on Tuesday the launch of the Women in Mining Association, a newly established non-profit organization dedicated to empowering Saudi women in the mining sector and enhancing their contribution to the sector’s ongoing transformation.

The initiative reflects the ministry’s commitment to fostering the growth of non-profit organizations within the industrial and mining sectors, in recognition of their vital role supporting the Kingdom’s economic and social development.

The association will develop women’s capabilities and equip them with advanced, sector-aligned skills. It aims to create a more diverse and inclusive work environment while enabling women to take on active roles in the sector’s growth.

In addition to workforce development, the association will support women-led entrepreneurial and innovative projects in mining by offering financial and technical assistance. It will also promote innovative solutions that can drive further advancement and sustainability in the sector.

The launch of this association is part of a broader effort to align with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, particularly those related to economic diversification, women’s empowerment, and strengthening national capabilities across all sectors.