Gold Wavers as Traders Focus on Fed Outlook, China Demand

Gold wavered as traders mulled the Federal Reserve’s outlook for interest rates.

Bullion gained as much as 0.5% in US trading before paring some gains, while Treasury yields and the dollar declined.

Traders had taken comfort in Fed policymakers leaving the door open to more easing next year, even though the quarter-point cut on Wednesday drew three dissents. They stuck to bets on two cuts in 2026, even as the Fed’s new projections signaled only one such move. The latest US unemployment benefits data didn’t alter their view.

Gold typically performs well in a lower rate environment as it pays no interest.

Prices for bullion in China have drifted below international benchmarks in recent weeks, signaling that the world’s second-largest economy is weighing on the latest leg of the rally.