MARKET NEWS

(Bloomberg) -- Gold edged higher as traders weigh the outlook for US monetary policy ahead of a key speech by Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell later this week.

Bullion traded above $3,320 an ounce as markets await clues from Powell’s annual address in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, on Friday. Swaps are pricing in a high probability the Fed will cut borrowing costs by a quarter point next month. Lower rates benefit gold as it doesn’t pay interest.

Still, the Fed’s monetary easing path has been complicated by a hotter-than-expected inflation print last week that caused some traders to dial back rate-cut expectations. In the face of mounting pressure from President Donald Trump for hefty reductions, Powell has expressed concern with import tariffs at the highest levels in a century.

Markets are also watching US and European efforts towards a landmark meeting between presidents Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskiy. Any signs of a Russia-Ukraine ceasefire could ease demand for the precious metal as a haven, but a peace deal is still elusive.

Gold has gained more than a quarter this year, as trade war fears and geopolitical tensions boosted its appeal as a safe asset, while central bank buying and inflows to exchange-traded funds also provided support. Though it’s traded in a relatively tight range since reaching a record at roughly $3,500 in April, banks like UBS Group AG and Citigroup Inc. expect further gains.

Spot gold edged up  to $ an ounce as of 11:37 a.m. in London. The Bloomberg Dollar Spot Index was flat. Silver and palladium dropped, while platinum gained.