Gold prices were little changed on Friday as investors refrained from making big bets amid doubts whether the United States and China could seal a trade deal.
The metal was, however, on track for its biggest monthly decline in three years, as upbeat comments by both countries earlier this month had raised hopes of an interim deal.
Palladium scaled a new high of $1,844.50 an ounce, extending its record-setting run on supply deficit.
Spot gold was flat at $1,458.47 per ounce by 0749 GMT, having shed 0.2% so far this week. US gold futures rose 0.3% to $1,458.
"(Gold) Market definitely is divided because previously most people were thinking that a trade deal is going to happen, and now they are not sure which side it is going to go, and that reflects in the trading prices," said Brian Lan of Singapore dealer GoldSilver Central.
For the month, prices were down almost 4%, their biggest since November 2016, as earlier optimism about a deal between Beijing and Washington dampened demand for the safe-haven metal.
However, gold, considered a safe store of value during economic or political uncertainties, has gained more than 13% this year, mainly due to the tariff dispute.
"A break above $1,500/oz would suggest the potential for additional upside in prices. In contrast, a break below $1,445/oz would point to a more signi?cant correction underway, and we would expect further losses for gold prices," Fitch Solutions said in a note.
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