Gold declines as positive US data strengthens dollar and reduces expectations for rate cuts

Gold Prices Dip as Strong US Data Lifts Dollar

Early Friday, spot gold slipped by 0.3% to $4,601.53 per ounce as of 0217 GMT. Despite this decline, gold remains on track for an approximate 2% increase over the week, following its all-time high of $4,642.72 reached on Wednesday. Meanwhile, US gold futures for February delivery dropped 0.4% to $4,605.20.

The US dollar strengthened for a third consecutive week, buoyed by Labor Department figures showing initial jobless claims for state unemployment benefits fell by 9,000 to a seasonally adjusted 198,000—lower than the 215,000 anticipated by economists surveyed by Reuters. A stronger dollar typically raises the cost of dollar-denominated metals for international buyers, putting pressure on gold prices.

Gold, which does not yield interest, often reacts to shifts in currency and economic data.