Gold prices held firm as momentum for a US interest rate cut solidified after Fed Chairman Jerome Powell opened the door to a September rate cut. Gold reached nearly $3,370 per troy ounce, extending Friday's 1.1% gain when Powell raised risks to the labor market at Jackson Hole despite lingering inflation concerns.

The 2-year Treasury yield—which is sensitive to policy—fell, while the dollar strength index weakened after the comments, boosting non-yielding, USD-priced gold. Derivatives market participants now rate the probability of a September rate cut above 85%, but the policy direction after that remains unclear given that inflation remains above target and employment data shows weakness.

Powell described the economy as being in a "challenging situation" and hinted at whether President Donald Trump's tariffs could reignite inflation more systematically. Gold has gained more than a quarter this year, meeting demand for a hedge against geopolitical tensions and central bank buying. However, CFTC data showed hedge funds trimming bullish positions to a six-week low. This morning in Asia, spot gold traded slightly around $3,369; silver and platinum were relatively flat, while palladium gained slightly.

Source: Bloomberg