Gold Edges Higher on Soft US Economic Data

2026-08-17 00:11 By Jam Kaimo Samonte 1 min. read

Gold rose toward $4,400 an ounce on Monday, extending gains from the previous session as subdued US economic data reduced expectations for an imminent Federal Reserve interest rate hike.

Data released last week pointed to tame US inflation, while consumer sentiment and retail sales weakened.

Markets now see roughly a one-in-three chance of a Fed rate hike in September, down from nearly 50% before the data.

Investors are now awaiting the FOMC’s latest meeting minutes and Fed Chair Kevin Warsh’s speech at the Jackson Hole symposium for further guidance.

Meanwhile, tensions in the Middle East remain elevated after Israel launched fresh strikes on Lebanon over the weekend, while President Donald Trump is preparing new economic sanctions aimed at forcing Iran to surrender.

Still, Middle Eastern producers are covertly moving millions of barrels of crude through the Strait of Hormuz, keeping oil prices in check and easing concerns about inflationary risks.



News Stream
Gold Edges Higher on Soft US Economic Data
Gold rose toward $4,400 an ounce on Monday, extending gains from the previous session as subdued US economic data reduced expectations for an imminent Federal Reserve interest rate hike. Data released last week pointed to tame US inflation, while consumer sentiment and retail sales weakened. Markets now see roughly a one-in-three chance of a Fed rate hike in September, down from nearly 50% before the data. Investors are now awaiting the FOMC’s latest meeting minutes and Fed Chair Kevin Warsh’s speech at the Jackson Hole symposium for further guidance. Meanwhile, tensions in the Middle East remain elevated after Israel launched fresh strikes on Lebanon over the weekend, while President Donald Trump is preparing new economic sanctions aimed at forcing Iran to surrender. Still, Middle Eastern producers are covertly moving millions of barrels of crude through the Strait of Hormuz, keeping oil prices in check and easing concerns about inflationary risks.
2026-08-17
Gold Extends Gains for 2nd Week
Gold rose above $4,380 an ounce on Friday, recovering from earlier losses and securing a second consecutive weekly gain as investors assessed the outlook for US monetary policy. Recent US CPI and PPI data showed inflation pressures remaining contained, suggesting that the impact of higher energy prices linked to the Iran conflict eased in July and reducing expectations of an aggressive Federal Reserve stance. Markets now see roughly a one-in-three chance of a rate hike in September, although upcoming employment data and comments from Fed Chair Kevin Warsh at the Jackson Hole symposium could influence expectations. Geopolitical risks remain another key factor, as renewed tensions could push energy prices higher and revive inflation concerns. Meanwhile, strong central-bank demand continues to support gold, with China adding around 20 tonnes to its reserves in July, marking its 21st consecutive month of purchases.
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Gold Slides for Second Session
Gold fell below $4,350 an ounce on Friday, extending losses from the previous session as investors locked in profits while assessing the Federal Reserve’s policy outlook and developments in the Middle East. Data released Thursday showed US core producer prices increased less than expected in July, offering further evidence that inflationary pressures are not broadly intensifying following Wednesday’s subdued CPI report. The softer price data reduces pressure on the Fed to raise interest rates in the near term, with markets now pricing in around a 35% chance of a 25 basis point rate hike in September, down from 55% a week earlier. Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz remain deadlocked, keeping investors cautious over the risk of an escalation that could drive energy prices higher and reignite inflationary pressures.
2026-08-14