Gold firms on dip buying; US-China trade talks in focus

Synopsis

Gold prices edged higher on Friday as investors sought refuge in the precious metal following a previous session dip, awaiting U.S.-China trade discussions this weekend. The market is also digesting the recent U.S.-UK trade agreement and anticipating insights from Federal Reserve officials regarding the economy and monetary policy. Geopolitical tensions in the Kashmir region further influenced market sentiment.

Gold prices firmed on Friday, as investors bought bullion following a decline in the previous session, while markets looked ahead to U.S.-China trade talks due this weekend.

FUNDAMENTALS

* Spot gold rose 0.1% to $3,309.39 an ounce, as of 0024 GMT. U.S. gold futures firmed 0.3% to $3,314.20.

* Spot gold fell nearly 2% in the previous session, when prices hit a low of $3,288.39 after U.S. President Donald Trump announced a trade deal with the UK.

* 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 U.S. goods.

* The U.S. announced on Tuesday that Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer will meet with China's top economic official on Saturday in Switzerland.

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

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

* On geopolitical front, Blasts rang out across the Indian city of Jammu late on Thursday during what the government said was a Pakistani drone and missile attack on military stations around the Kashmir region on the second day of clashes between the nuclear-armed neighbour.

* Spot silver fell 0.4% to $32.37 an ounce, platinum rose 0.5% to $980.62 and palladium fell 0.3% to $973.04.

...moreless

...moreless