Fed officials were split last month over whether they would boost rates in June, the minutes released on Wednesday showed. Holdings in exchange-traded products backed by gold fell to 1,616.1 metric tons, a three-month low, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. The dollar rose to the highest in a week against a basket of 10 currencies.
Gold futures are heading for the first weekly decline since March 13. A government report last week showed U.S. jobs growth cooled in March, providing temporary support for prices. Metals traders are scrutinizing economic data for more signals on the timing of rate increases, which cuts the appeal of bullion because it only offers returns through price gains.
Bullion futures for June delivery dropped 0.8 percent to settle at $1,193.60 an ounce at 1:44 p.m. on the Comex in New York. Prices earlier touched $1,192.40, the lowest since April 1.
Silver futures for May delivery fell 1.7 percent to $16.176 an ounce on the Comex, capping a third straight loss. Prices touched $16.105, the lowest since March 20.
Platinum futures for July delivery lost 0.8 percent to $1,157 an ounce on the New York Mercantile Exchange. Palladium futures for June delivery climbed 0.9 percent to $762.40 an ounce, the third gain in four days.
Sumber : ewfpro.com
