NEW YORK: Gold prices remained steady on Wednesday, as investors awaited the US Federal Reserve’s decision on interest rates due later in the day, while also focusing on US President Donald Trump’s trade policies following his tariff threats.
Spot gold eased 0.2% to $2,758.49 per ounce by 09:55 a.m. ET (1455 GMT), while US gold futures rose 0.3% to $2,775.60, widening the premium over spot gold rates. The Fed is scheduled to release its latest policy decision and statement at 2 p.m. EST (1900 GMT), with Fed Chair Jerome Powell due to hold a press conference half an hour later to elaborate on the meeting.
The US central bank is widely expected to hold interest rates steady as it awaits further inflation and jobs data and more clarity on the economic impact of Trump’s policies before deciding whether to cut borrowing costs again. “However, the Fed’s commentary in regards to the potential for an interest rate cut in the March meeting is going to be in focus,” said David Meger, director of metals trading at High Ridge Futures. Gold prices neared all-time highs last week after Trump called for lower interest rates. Bullion tends to thrive in a low-interest-rate environment as it yields no interest.
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