LONDON: Gold prices firmed on Monday, aided by a weaker dollar and lower Treasury yields after dovish remarks from U.S. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell cemented expectations for a September rate cut.
Spot gold rose 0.4 per cent to US$2,520.39 per ounce by 0756 GMT, after gaining more than 1 per cent in the previous session. U.S. gold futures also gained 0.4 per cent to US$2,556.00.
Powell on Friday endorsed an imminent start to rate cuts, saying further cooling in the job market would be unwelcome.
The dollar hovered near its lowest level in 13 months, making gold cheaper for other currency holders, while benchmark 10-year Treasury yields also eased.
"Gold will remain in vogue with investors so long as the dollar remains on the back foot ahead of anticipated rate cuts. If U.S. yields remain suppressed, gold may fancy taking a run towards US$2,550 this week if resistance around US$2,530 can be cleared first," said Tim Waterer, chief market analyst, KCM Trade.
Traders have fully priced in a cut for next month, with a 62 per cent chance of a 25 basis point reduction and a 38 per cent chance of a bigger 50 bp reduction, according to the CME FedWatch tool. A low interest rate environment tends to boost non-yielding bullion's appeal.
Adding to gold's upward momentum is the uncertainty caused by the ongoing Middle East tensions, said Kelvin Wong, OANDA's senior market analyst for Asia Pacific.
Gaza ceasefire talks took place in Cairo on Sunday but neither Hamas nor Israel agreed to several compromises presented by mediators, two Egyptian security sources said.
Elsewhere, India's gold demand during the upcoming festive season is likely to remain robust as the substantial reduction in import duty has made prices appealing, industry officials said.
Spot silver rose 0.9 per cent to US$30.08, platinum gained 0.2 per cent to US$964.46 and palladium eased 0.2 per cent to US$961.25.