Gold prices inched up on Thursday following a sharp rise in the last session as the dollar and bond yields weakened on the increasing likelihood of rate cuts by the U.S. Federal Reserve as early as September.
Spot gold rose 0.1% at $2,388.10 per ounce, as of 0255 GMT, after gaining more than 1% to its highest since April 19 on Wednesday.
"Following the April consumer price index data, the odds for a potential September rate cut have firmed, which suits the gold price from a yield perspective," said Tim Waterer, chief market analyst at KCM Trade.
However, a potential bounce in the dollar or treasury yields could be the biggest hurdle for gold price in the remainder of the week."
Bullion is known as an inflation hedge, but higher rates increase the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding gold.
Persons:
Tim Waterer, Austan Goolsbee, Jerome Powell's
Organizations:
U.S . Federal Reserve, Treasury, KCM, Chicago Federal Reserve Bank
Locations:
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