Gold edged higher on Tuesday supported by lower oil prices as tensions eased in the Middle East, but concerns about U.S. interest rate hikes ahead of key inflation data this week capped gains.
Spot gold was up 0.3% at $4,340.31 per ounce as of 1156 GMT. The metal fell to its lowest level since March 23 in the previous session.
Gold prices remained range-bound as investors looked ahead to key US economic data that could offer fresh signals on the Federal Reserve's interest rate trajectory.
"Market participants are awaiting key macroeconomic data for further cues on the US Federal Reserve's monetary policy cycle and near-term direction for bullion prices," said Pinky Yadav of Choice Broking.
Gold traded with a positive bias as international crude oil prices dropped nearly 2% and slipped below the $90-per-barrel mark. Analysts said softer energy prices offered relief to bullion markets, helping prices stay firm.
"Global gold markets remained volatile despite a weak US dollar and easing tensions between Iran and Israel," said Pinky Yadav, Commodity Fundamental Analyst at Choice Broking.
Gold futures for August delivery edged up by Rs 131 to Rs 1,54,915 per 10 grams on the MCX on Tuesday. The yellow metal found support from easing crude oil prices, although gains remained limited amid concerns over inflation and higher interest rates.
"Gold prices advanced marginally, driven by easing tensions in West Asia despite ongoing fears of interest rate hikes due to persistent inflation," said Gaurav Garg, Research Analyst at Lemonn Markets Desk.
After a sharp sell-off in precious metals, investors are turning their attention to upcoming US inflation data and Federal Reserve commentary for clues on the future interest-rate path, while keeping a close watch on crude oil prices and developments in West Asia.
"With the US May Consumer Price Index (CPI) release on June 10 pivotal, a hot reading could solidify the Federal Reserve's interest rate hike bets, extend dollar strength, and further pressure precious metals," said Kaynat Chainwala, AVP Commodity Research, Kotak Securities.
With markets now pricing in more than a 70% chance of a Federal Reserve rate hike by December and US Treasury yields hitting two-week highs, analysts are warning that bullion could face further downside pressure.
"Gold may next test the psychologically important $4,000 line for critical support if markets receive hotter-than-expected CPI prints this week, or a decidedly hawkish FOMC next week," said Han Tan, chief market analyst at Bybit.
Gold prices extended losses on Monday on rising fears of a US rate hike after a strong jobs report, while renewed hostilities in the Middle East pushed oil prices higher and fanned inflation concerns.
Spot gold fell 0.2% to $4,319.09 per ounce by 0429 GMT. Prices fell about 3% on Friday, hitting the lowest since March 24. US gold futures for August delivery were down 0.5% at $4,343.20.
Gold (22 kt): Rs 14,320 per gram.
Gold (24 kt): Rs 15,620 per gram.
Gold prices hit a more than two-month low on Monday after last week's strong U.S. jobs data boosted expectations of a Federal Reserve rate hike, and as Israel and Iran traded strikes, pushing oil prices higher and fuelling inflation concerns.
Spot gold was down 0.4% at $4,313.99 per ounce by 1115 GMT, after hitting its lowest level since March 23 earlier in the session. Prices fell by more than 3% on Friday.