Gold flat as investors assess US data, Fed rate signals

Gold remained stable in early Asian trade on Friday, supported by a weaker dollar as investors scrutinized U.S. economic data and the Federal Reserve’s potential interest rate hike. Spot gold held steady at $1,959.03 per ounce, while U.S. gold futures too were little changed at $1,971.50. A decline in the dollar index and 10-year Treasury yields boosted zero-interest-bearing bullion. The Bank of Japan is expected to maintain ultra-easy monetary policy despite stronger-than-anticipated inflation to support an economic recovery amidst a sharp slowdown in global growth.