Gold prices steady as market anticipates key US jobs data, Powell's speech

Gold held steady on Wednesday as safe-haven demand countered a slight recovery in the US dollar while markets await US jobs data and comments from Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell for clues on the US central bank's policy outlook.

Spot gold was steady at $2,644.48 an ounce by 1100 GMT. US gold futures were down 0.1 per cent at $2,666.30.

The dollar index reflected strength that makes dollar-priced bullion costlier for buyers with other currencies. [USD/]

"Gold prices have been weighed down by the stronger dollar narrative, though still supported by safe-haven bids, in light of the latest bouts of political turmoil in South Korea and France," said Exinity Group Chief Market Analyst Han Tan.

South Korean lawmakers urged President Yoon Suk Yeol to resign or face impeachment after he briefly declared and then reversed martial law, sparking a political crisis.

France's government, meanwhile, faces likely collapse as far-right and left-wing parties filed no-confidence motions against Prime Minister Michel Barnier.

Elsewhere, traders await the US ADP employment report due at 1315 GMT alongside Powell's speech. Friday's monthly payroll data and next week's CPI data are also on investors' radar.

"Spot gold may continue trading within the $2,600-$2,700 range unless the incoming NFP and CPI figures drastically alter the odds of a Fed rate cut on Dec. 18," Tan added.

Traders see a 74 per cent chance of the Fed reducing interest rates by 25 basis points, CME Group's FedWatch Tool shows.

US central bankers on Tuesday expressed confidence in declining inflation and hinted at support for future rate cuts without committing to immediate action.

The appeal of non-yielding bullion increases when interest rates are low.

Spot silver fell 0.6 per cent to $30.83 an ounce, platinum lost 1.4 per cent to $939.60 and palladium was down 1.19 per cent at $960.39.