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Gold prices were largely unchanged in Asian trading on Wednesday, supported by softer U.S. inflation data that boosted hopes for Federal Reserve rate cuts, while investors awaited U.S.–Russia discussions later this week.
Spot Gold hovered around $3,348.87 an ounce, with December Gold Futures muted at $3,398.42/oz by 01:59 ET (05:59 GMT). Prices had dipped sharply earlier in the week after President Donald Trump confirmed gold bars would not face tariffs, easing supply concerns.
U.S. Inflation and Fed Rate Expectations
July’s U.S. consumer price index (CPI) rose 0.2% month-on-month, down from 0.3% in June, while the annual rate slowed to 2.7%, close to the Fed’s 2% target. Economists noted that cooling inflation strengthens the case for a potential rate cut in September. Lower interest rates reduce the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding assets like gold, supporting demand. Markets now assign over a 90% probability to a September Fed cut.
Geopolitics and Safe-Haven Demand
Gold’s upside was limited by geopolitical factors, particularly the scheduled Friday summit in Anchorage between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, focusing on the Ukraine conflict. A constructive outcome could lower gold’s safe-haven appeal, whereas failed talks or escalating tensions could push prices higher.
Additionally, the U.S.–China tariff truce extension by 90 days has reduced gold’s appeal as a protective asset.
Other Metals
Precious metals were largely subdued: Platinum Futures were flat at $1,351.00/oz, while Silver Futures gained 0.5% to $38.240/oz. Copper Futures saw minimal movement, with London contracts up 0.1% to $9,842.65 a ton and U.S. contracts flat at $4.519/lb.
