Gold prices dipped to around $4,150 per ounce on Thursday but remained near a two-week high, as investors continued to anticipate a Federal Reserve rate cut next month. Recent data showed that initial jobless claims came in surprisingly low and durable goods orders were stronger than expected, but this did not deter expectations for rate cuts. Traders are pricing in roughly an 80% probability of a 25 bps cut at the Fed’s final meeting of the year. Supporting bets on lower rates, President Donald Trump’s key economic adviser, Kevin Hassett, is now seen as the leading contender for Fed chair and is likely to pursue a dovish monetary policy in line with the president’s preferences. Gold is on track for a fourth consecutive monthly gain, having risen nearly 60% this year and poised for its best annual performance since 1979.
