Gold edged lower on Monday as a rise in US Treasury yields dented its appeal, although a risk-off sentiment in wider financial markets limited losses for the metal.
Spot gold was down 0.1pc at $1,765.14 per ounce by 1:35 p.m. EDT (1735 GMT), while US gold futures settled down 0.2pc at $1,765.70.
"If yields keep rising, the headwinds will remain significant for gold," OANDA analyst Craig Erlam said.
"Unless markets start to price in bad news for the economy and stock markets, which may be a rational next step if policymakers insist on tightening even as the recovery remains sluggish and downside risks significant."
Sentiment in wider financial markets remained weak as economic growth in China slowed, while a relentless surge in oil prices fuelled concerns about elevated inflation.
Gold firms as safe-haven demand counters pressure from US yields
US benchmark 10-year Treasury yields climbed as investors ramped up rate hike bets, while the dollar index held steady.
While gold is seen as an inflation hedge, it also contends with the greenback for safe-haven status. Reduced central bank stimulus and the prospect of interest rate hikes push government bond yields up, weighing on non-yielding bullion.
Investors increasingly expect the US Federal Reserve to start tapering asset purchases after data showed a solid increase in US consumer prices last month.
"In the event that the Fed hastens its policy tightening agenda, strengthening the dollar along the way, that should weaken the floor below bullion," said Han Tan, chief market analyst at Exinity.
Other precious metals also dipped, with silver down 0.3pc at $23.21 per ounce and platinum slipping 1.8pc to $1,035.29.
Palladium shed 3.3pc to $2,005.07, its lowest in over a week.
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