Gold Prices Slip but Remain on Track for First Monthly Gain in Five Months
Gold prices declined on Friday but remained on course for their first monthly gain since February, as investors reassessed the outlook for U.S. interest rates following the Federal Reserve's latest policy meeting earlier this week.
Spot gold fell 1.2% to $4,054.20 per ounce as of 10:57 GMT, while U.S. gold futures dropped 1.2% to $4,049.30 per ounce.
Gold found some support after June inflation data came in lower than expected, reinforcing expectations that inflationary pressures may be easing. The report, based on the Federal Reserve's preferred inflation gauge, prompted investors to reassess the central bank's next policy move after officials left interest rates unchanged on Wednesday.
Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh reiterated that policymakers remain prepared to address inflation risks, signaling that additional rate hikes remain possible if price pressures intensify. However, he also suggested that bond markets may already be tightening financial conditions on behalf of the Fed, leaving traders uncertain about the central bank's next step.
According to the CME FedWatch Tool, markets now assign roughly a 63% probability of a September rate hike, down significantly from more than 80% just one week ago.
Analysts at ING noted that investors remain cautious, saying the market is concerned that the Federal Reserve may hesitate to translate its commitment to price stability into more aggressive monetary tightening.
Expectations that the Fed could delay further interest rate increases have provided support for gold, as lower interest rates reduce the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding assets such as bullion.
Meanwhile, the U.S. dollar edged higher after posting its biggest daily decline since January 2023 on Thursday. A stronger dollar typically weighs on gold prices by making the precious metal more expensive for holders of other currencies.
Despite Friday's decline, spot gold is still up approximately 1% in July, putting the precious metal on track for its first monthly advance in five months. Gold has faced persistent pressure throughout 2026 as elevated oil prices fueled inflation concerns, increasing expectations that major central banks could maintain a more hawkish monetary policy stance for longer.






