Gold bullion prices finish flat but set for weekly gain as greenback weakens

NEW YORK/LONDON — Gold was flat on Friday, headed for its first weekly gain in four weeks, as the dollar weakened and investors grew a bit less confident about prospects that the Federal Reserve would raise interest rates three more times in 2018.

Spot gold was unchanged at $1,321 per ounce by 1:43 p.m. EDT (1743 GMT). During the session it touched its highest since April 25 at $1,325.96, nudging its 100-day moving average of $1,326. It was up 0.50% for the week so far.

US gold futures for June delivery settled down $1.60, or 0.10%, at $1,320.70 per ounce.

“Geopolitical risks in the Middle East, a weaker dollar and softer Treasury yields are giving gold a temporary boost,” said Walter Pehowich, executive vice-president of investment services at Dillon Gage Metals.

The dollar fell for a third day on Friday against a basket of currencies. While the 10-year US Treasury yield rose slightly, it remained below 3%. Bond market investors remain confident the Fed will hike rates in June, but less sure of prospects for rate hikes in September and December.

A weaker dollar makes gold more attractive for investors using other currencies. Fewer US interest rate hikes would lower the opportunity cost of holding non-interest bearing bullion.

St. Louis Federal Reserve Bank President James Bullard said aggressive rate increases would risk nipping off US business investment.

Gold price consolidation above resistance at the 100-day moving average might be a catalyst for more gains, MKS PAMP trader Tim Brown said.

Capital Economics’ Simona Gambarini said the likelihood of three more Fed interest rate hikes this year would probably pressure gold prices into ending 2018 at $1,300.

Gold is considered a safe asset in uncertain times, but traders said tensions in the Middle East provided limited support now.

A summit between the United States and North Korea to be held in Singapore eased fears of conflict.

Silver was up 0.30% at $16.72 an ounce, above its 100-day moving average and nearing its 200-day moving average to $16.84. It was at 2-1/2-week highs, set for a weekly gain of 1.3%.

Platinum was down 0.40% at $920.49 per ounce, having hit its highest since April 25 at $929.10. It was poised for a nearly 2% weekly increase.

Palladium declined 0.80% at $991 per ounce, but earlier hit $1,008.50, a 2-1/2week high, closing the week more than 2% higher. —