HomeNewsBusinessMarketsGold eyes worst week in 5 as strong US data fuels Fed hike

Gold eyes worst week in 5 as strong US data fuels Fed hike

A looming US rate hike has dimmed the appeal of non-interest bearing assets as gold, which may explain the fall in the metal from a recent seven-week high even as global equities tumbled on fears over a slowing Chinese economy.

August 28, 2015 / 20:44 IST
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Gold was stuck near recent lows on Friday and was on track to post its biggest weekly drop in five as strong US economic data backed the case for a near-term increase in interest rates.

A looming US rate hike has dimmed the appeal of non-interest bearing assets as gold, which may explain the fall in the metal from a recent seven-week high even as global equities tumbled on fears over a slowing Chinese economy.

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The upward revision in US economic growth in the second quarter to 3.7 percent from the initial estimate of 2.3 percent spurred market expectations that the Federal Reserve could still raise rates this year despite the market turmoil.

Spot gold was up 0.4 percent at USD 1,129.60 an ounce by 0226 GMT, but down almost 3 percent for the week.