Gold prices, which gained on Friday as the dollar weakened, were on course for their worst quarter since March last year as central banks worldwide stick with aggressive monetary policies.
Spot gold rose 0.3% to US$1,665.99 per ounce by 1029 GMT and has gained 1.4% so far this week. For the quarter it is down 7.8%, the most since the first quarter of 2021.
U.S. gold futures added 0.4% to US$1,674.50.
The dollar index traded near a one-week low, making gold less expensive for buyers holding other currencies.
“Gold is drawing strength from a weaker dollar and easing Treasury yields as the week slowly comes to an end,” FXTM analyst Lukman Otunuga said.
“However, given how the key fundamental drivers weighing heavily on gold remain intact, the current gains are likely to be limited. In the meantime, prices are seen testing the $1,680 level in the short term,” Otunuga added.
Fed policymakers have been resolute in raising interest rates despite a turmoil in global financial markets.
Although gold is considered a safe bet in times of uncertainty, rate hikes tend to dull the appeal of bullion, which yields no interest.
Once it becomes clear how much the Fed will tighten its policy, “gold could bottom and start to recover,” said Carlo Alberto De Casa, external analyst for Kinesis Money.
Meanwhile, Britain’s economy unexpectedly grew in the second quarter but still stayed below its pre-pandemic peak, contrary to an earlier estimate that it had recovered.
“As we move towards let’s say October, November, the physical demand from India, China is going to be supportive,” said Ajay Kedia, director at Kedia Commodities in Mumbai.
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