Gold bars of different sizes lie in a safe on a table at the precious metals dealer Pro Aurum. Gold prices were stuck in a tight range on Tuesday as investor focus turns to U.S. inflation data due later this week, which could shed more light on the timing of the Federal Reserve's first interest rate cut this year. Gold prices hit a record high last week after Fed policymakers indicated they still expected to reduce interest by three-quarters of a percentage point by 2024 end despite recent high inflation readings. Meanwhile, Fed Governor Lisa Cook cautioned the U.S. central bank needs to proceed carefully as it decides when to begin cutting interest rates. Lower interest rates reduce the opportunity cost of holding bullion.

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Persons: Kyle Rodda, Capital.com, Austan Goolsbee, Lisa Cook Organizations: Aurum, Federal, Chicago Fed Bank, Traders, Fed Locations: U.S