Gold nears two-month low, headed for worst week in over three years

Gold prices steadied near the previous session's two-month lows on Friday and were poised for their worst weekly performance in over three years as a rallying U.S. dollar and expectations of less aggressive interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve pressured the precious metal.

Spot gold was little changed at $2,568.37 per ounce as of 1215 GMT. Prices have fallen more than 4% so far this week, touching their lowest since Sept. 12 on Thursday. U.S. gold futures were also flat at $2,573.00.

"So far gold has been negatively impacted by the election of Trump but this can change if there is some more uncertainty which could come back in the medium term," said Kinesis Money market analyst Carlo Alberto De Casa, adding that Trump's policies were leading investors to expect higher U.S. inflation and interest rates.

"Overall markets are betting on a stronger U.S. dollar and that is bearish market driver for gold."

The dollar was set for its best week in more than a month. [USD/]

Economists believe President-elect Donald Trump's tariff plans would stoke inflation, potentially slowing the Fed's rate easing cycle. Higher interest rates make holding gold less attractive as investors can earn higher returns on other assets.

The U.S. central bank does not need to rush to lower interest rates, Fed Chair Jerome Powell said on Thursday in remarks that may point to borrowing costs remaining higher for longer for households and businesses alike.

Markets now see a 62% chance of a 25 basis point rate cut in December, down from 83% a day before, according to the CME Fedwatch tool.

U.S. retail sales data is due at 1330 GMT, while several Federal Reserve officials are scheduled to speak later.

Spot silver rose 0.6% to $30.64 per ounce, platinum was up 0.8% at $947.50 and palladium added 2.4% to $963.84. All three metals were on track for weekly declines.