Gold prices inched higher as investors digested mixed signals from the U.S. labor market and the latest Federal Reserve minutes, signaling a cautious approach to monetary policy. Spot gold gained 0.3% to $1,945.80 per ounce, reflecting investor sentiment amid uncertainty over interest rate trajectories.
The U.S. labor market showed resilience with a lower unemployment rate, but softer-than-expected wage growth tempered inflation concerns. The Federal Reserve’s FOMC minutes revealed policymakers’ growing caution, with some advocating for maintaining current rates while others remained open to further hikes to combat inflation. These developments have bolstered gold’s appeal as a hedge against economic unpredictability.