LONDON: Gold prices gained on Tuesday, as the dollar paused after it rallied to a two-decade high, while investors shifted their attention to US inflation data for cues on the US Federal Reserve’s monetary policy strategy.

Spot gold was up 0.2% at $1,856.76 per ounce by 9:59 EDT (1359 GMT). The uptick came after prices fell about 1.7% on Monday on the dollar’s strength.

US gold futures fell 0.2% to $1,854.60.

The dollar index was flat after touching a 20-year high in the previous session. The benchmark 10-year US Treasury yields were off 3-1/2-year peaks.

“The gold market is on reversal and trying to stabilize right now,” said Bob Haberkron, RJO Futures senior market strategist.

The Fed’s aim of bringing inflation down without derailing the economy is challenging but doable amid heightened uncertainty caused by the war in Ukraine and COVID-19 pandemic, New York Fed President John Williams said.

“Williams’ comments have sown some doubts about how hawkish the Fed is going to be... His comments reflect a little pull back from the hawkishness (with regards to) the rate hikes moving forward,” Haberkron added.

Gold is considered a hedge against inflation and economic uncertainties. However, it is highly sensitive to rising US interest rates, which raise the opportunity cost of holding non-interest bearing bullion.

Investors now await the US consumer price index (CPI) data due on Wednesday, for any impact it could have on the Fed’s rate hike plans.

“From a technical perspective, the key $1,850 level has now held on several occasions, so that’s just attracting some short-covering,” Saxo Bank analyst Ole Hanse said.

Wall Street’s main indexes were set to open higher after a three-day selloff on concerns over aggressive monetary tightening and slowing economic.

Spot silver rose 0.3% to $21.86 per ounce, platinum gained 2.6% to $980.60 and palladium fell 1.7% to $2,060.92.