Gold prices steady with focus on US debt-ceiling talks

Gold prices remained stable during early Asian trade after dropping below the crucial $2,000-per-ounce level in the previous session, with investors keeping a watchful eye on developments in the U.S. debt ceiling negotiations. U.S. retail sales in April demonstrated slower-than-expected growth, while the Atlanta Fed’s president, Raphael Bostic, expressed caution about inflation levels. Meanwhile, the greenback dollar index maintained its strength, and SPDR Gold Trust GLD’s holdings increased slightly.