Gold stuck in range as rate hike bets and recession fears collide

By Ashitha Shivaprasad

(Reuters) - Gold prices were hemmed in a tight range on Tuesday as prospects of higher interest rates challenged bullion's safe-haven appeal while recession risks boosted it.

Spot gold rose 0.1% to $1,824.10 per ounce by 1425 GMT. U.S. gold futures were little changed at $1,824.10.

"Gold is stuck in a range and is going to continue to be in a range in the near term. The market will only break out into a direction after it gets more economic data and information from the Federal Reserve," said RJO Futures senior market strategist Bob Haberkorn.

Although gold is considered a hedge against inflation and economic uncertainties, rate hikes dim bullion's appeal by increasing the opportunity cost of holding the asset which pays no interest.

"It's a snooze-fest in gold markets. The yellow metal is being pulled in two directions as a hawkish Fed regime clashes with recession fears," said TD Securities in a note.

Speaking at the European Central Bank's annual conference in Portugal, President Christine Lagarde said the bank will move gradually but with the option to act decisively on any deterioration in medium-term inflation.

Fed Chair Jerome Powell is also due to speak on Wednesday.

Gold largely held its ground despite an uptick in the dollar, which usually dims bullion's appeal for overseas buyers. U.S. 10-year Treasury yields also rose. [USD/] [US/]

"Gold remains a traders' market - vulnerable to false breaks and quick turnarounds on little news," City Index senior market analyst Matt Simpson said.

Meanwhile, holdings in the world's largest gold-backed ETF, the SPDR Gold Trust, recorded outflows for the past five straight sessions. [GOL/ETF]

Spot silver fell 0.2% to $21.09 per ounce.

Platinum climbed 1.1% to $917.62, and palladium gained 0.7% to $1,884.08.

"Platinum and palladium are acting like industrial metals this morning. With China opening up, demand from the automotive industry will rise," RJO's Haberkorn said.

 

(Reporting by Ashitha Shivaprasad and Bharat Govind Gautam in Bengaluru; Editing by Devika Syamnath)