NEW YORK: Gold prices fell from a three-week peak on Monday as expectations of an inadequate US coronavirus relief bill dented the appeal of bullion, which is used as a hedge against likely inflation.
Spot gold fell 0.3% to $1,923.56 per ounce by 1:41 p.m. EDT (1741 GMT), after hitting its highest since Sept. 21 at $1,932.96. US gold futures settled up 0.1% at $1,928.90.
The Trump administration on Sunday called on Congress to pass a stripped-down coronavirus relief bill using leftover funds, as negotiations on a broader package ran into resistance.
"We are talking trillions (in stimulus) one day and it's billions the next day and it will (probably) be millions next. It feels like it is getting smaller coming into the election," said Phillip Streible, chief market strategist at Blue Line Futures in Chicago.
The possibility of a smaller US coronavirus stimulus bill is weighing on gold, he added.
Gold has gained over 26% so far this year helped by stimulus from governments and global central banks as it considered a hedge against inflation risks and currency weakening.
Investors were also keeping a close eye on the upcoming US election due in a couple of weeks, where Democrat Joe Biden is seen as more likely to win.
"Gold will be higher if Biden wins because he will spend a lot of money," said Bob Haberkorn, senior market strategist at RJO Futures, adding any unknowns on the election night will also provide support.
Bullion also eased as Wall Street's main indexes were supported by rising tech stocks.
The US government and bond market are closed on Monday for Columbus Day.
Among other precious metals, silver fell 0.2% to $25.07 per ounce, platinum fell 1.3% to $874.22, while palladium lost 1.6% to $2,399.86.
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