Gold (XAU/USD) trades little changed on Wednesday, consolidating gains near a three-week high as investors adopt a wait-and-see approach ahead of a crucial US congressional vote to end the record-long government shutdown. At the time of writing, XAU/USD is trading around $4,130, with market participants staying on the sidelines amid subdued risk appetite.

The US House of Representatives is set to vote later on Wednesday on a stopgap funding bill aimed at reopening the government and ending the record-long shutdown. The proposal would keep most federal agencies funded through January 30, 2026, while extending funding for some departments until September 30, 2026.

Signs of progress toward restoring government operations have helped stabilize risk sentiment. Investors are now turning their focus to the upcoming release of delayed US economic data once the government reopens, which could offer clearer guidance on the Federal Reserve's (Fed) monetary policy path.

Despite limited upside momentum, dovish Fed expectations and persistent geopolitical risks keep Gold supported. Recent private employment data have reinforced signs of a cooling labor market, boosting bets that the Fed could pivot toward rate cuts, keeping XAU/USD well bid on dips.

Market movers: House vote and Fed commentary steer sentiment amid light US calendar
A mild rebound in the US Dollar (USD) is limiting upside in Gold. The US Dollar Index (DXY), which gauges the Greenback's value against a basket of six major currencies, is trading around 99.60, snapping a five-day losing streak after hitting a two-week low on Tuesday.

The Senate's 60-40 bipartisan vote on Monday to pass the temporary funding bill marked a key step toward ending the record-long shutdown. The progress has eased near-term fiscal worries, although investors remain cautious until the House confirms final approval.
Recent private employment figures provided a mixed but generally softer outlook for the US labor market. ADP data released on Tuesday showed that the United States lost an average of 11,250 private-sector jobs in the four weeks ending October 25, compared with an average loss of 14,250 in the preceding month.

Meanwhile, last week's ADP Employment Change report indicated that private payrolls rose by 42,000 in October, beating expectations for a 25,000 gain and reversing the 29,000 decline recorded in September. In the same period, the Challenger Job Cuts report revealed that US employers announced 153,074 job cuts in October, the highest monthly total since 2003.
Easing trade tensions between the United States and China following the Donald Trump-Xi Jinping meeting in Busan has dampened some of the safe-haven appeal of Gold. Optimism was further supported after President Trump signaled progress in separate trade talks with India and Switzerland. Nevertheless, sentiment remains cautious as the US Supreme Court examines the legality of the administration's tariff measures, a ruling that could reshape future trade policy.
Looking ahead, a light US economic calendar on Wednesday is likely to keep trading subdued, leaving investors focused on comments from several Fed officials for fresh policy cues.