Gold prices rise

Globally gold prices edged lower on Tuesday as traders assessed the likely path of the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy after data showed a slump in U.S. manufacturing activity and as OPEC+’s production cut sparked inflationary risks.

Spot gold was down 0.2% at $1,980.39 per ounce. U.S. gold futures dipped 0.1% to $1,997.70.

The dollar index was slightly higher, making bullion expensive for overseas buyers.

Gold in the near term could see “consolidative price action in absence of a fresh catalyst and as markets monitor the extent of price gains in oil as that may throw a curve ball on inflation outlook and complicate monetary policy decision,” said OCBC FX strategist Christopher Wong.

Oil prices steadied with investors’ attention shifting to demand trends and the impact of higher prices on the global economy.