NEW YORK: Gold prices firmed near one-month highs hit earlier on Thursday after a softer-than-expected core US inflation print increased chances of two Federal Reserve rate cuts this year, with the first likely in June.

Spot gold gained 0.3% to $2,704.18 per ounce as of 1255 GMT after hitting its highest level since Dec. 12 earlier in the session. US gold futures gained 0.1% to $2,731.30.

Further gains in safe-haven bullion were, however, limited as Hamas and Israel reached a deal for a ceasefire in Gaza after 15 months of conflict and heightened Middle East tensions. Gold rallied to multiple-record highs and is still up nearly 50% since the war began in October 2023. “Although de-escalating geopolitical tensions can dilute demand for safe havens, bullion is still holding on to most of its post-CPI gains, suggesting that the Fed rate outlook remains the primary driver for gold prices,” said Exinity Group chief market analyst Han Tan.

“Gold should find itself in a supportive environment, so long as market participants can hold on to expectations for Fed rate cuts in 2025.” Interest rate futures traders are pricing in near-even odds that the Fed would reduce rates twice by the end of this year, with the first reduction to come in June. Before the inflation data on Wednesday, futures were only pricing a single quarter-point interest-rate cut in 2025. Core US inflation increased 0.2% in December after rising 0.3% for four straight months.