Gold bullion prices pared earlier gains as "JOLTS data confirmed our expectations for a rebound in the jobs market, alleviating concerns of a significant slowdown in the labor market ahead of Friday's nonfarm payrolls report," said Daniel Ghali, commodity strategist at TD Securities. A strong jobs report could prompt the Fed to take a cautious stance on cutting interest rates. Investors' focus shifts to the ADP jobs report and Fed Chair Jerome Powell's speech on Wednesday, ahead of Friday's payrolls report.
Silver prices maintained their recent gains to around $30 an ounce on Wednesday, holding at a more than one-week high as markets anticipate that the US Federal Reserve will cut interest rates again at its December meeting. Currently, markets are pricing in a 75% probability of a 25 basis point rate cut this month. Investors are now focused on the upcoming US jobs data and remarks from Fed Chair Jerome Powell later this week for further clarity on the Fed's monetary policy path.
Gold prices are currently stable in the Asian session on Thursday, as political turmoil in South Korea spurs safe-haven demand, although anticipation of further cues on US interest rates keeps traders on the sidelines.