Gold faces first weekly decline in 3 as stimulus hopes fade

Gold steadied on Friday as the dollar eased but was still set for its first weekly loss in three as doubts over a U.S. stimulus agreement before next month's presidential election dented demand for the metal as an inflation hedge.

Spot gold was up 0.1pc at $1,909.53 per ounce by 0920 GMT but down more than 1pc so far this week.

U.S. gold futures edged 0.1pc lower to $1,907.50.

"The lack of any physical stimulus now until post the U.S. election perhaps saw some liquidation of gold this week," said Robin Bhar, an independent analyst.

"Gold is pretty much watching what other markets are doing, it doesn't really have too much of a catalyst itself to move significantly higher, and equally not much of a catalyst to move significantly lower."

The dollar index was 0.1pc lower on the day but still set for a weekly gain, making it more expensive for holders of other currencies to buy gold.

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday he was willing to raise his offer of $1.8 trillion for a relief deal with Democrats in Congress, but the idea was shot down by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.

"The indecisiveness of the administration in Washington on the stimulus is putting a lot of volatility into our markets," said Afshin Nabavi, senior vice president at precious metals trader MKS SA.

"Gold is stuck in a range and we need to break above $1,950 or below $1,850 to be able to have a new direction."

Investors also kept an eye on Brexit trade negotiations, with Prime Minister Boris Johnson set to give Britain's response to European Union demands.

Silver gained 0.3pc to $24.37 per ounce, but was down 3pc for the week.

Platinum fell 0.5pc to $859.44 and palladium slipped 0.9pc to $2,332.06.