Gold prices steadied around $4,180 per ounce but have lost about 6% in September as expectations of higher US interest rates weighed on sentiment, with investors awaiting PCE inflation data for clues on Federal Reserve policy. Spot silver, platinum and palladium were also poised for monthly declines.
What it moves
PAXG, GOLD, PLATINUM, SILVER
Bull vs bear
Bulls see the upcoming PCE print as a potential catalyst for softer Fed rhetoric that could quickly reverse the 6% monthly drop and lift safe-haven bids back into precious metals. Bears argue that persistent rate-hike expectations will keep real yields elevated, extending the September selloff and pressuring PAXG and the broader complex into October.