FU: Gold futures ease off record high as U.S. dollar firms
Futures Pros – Gold futures edged lower on Monday, easing off an all-time high as a broadly stronger U.S. dollar reduced the appeal of the precious metal, however prices remained supported amid ongoing concerns over rising global inflation and fears over the euro zone’s debt crisis.
On the Comex division of the New York Mercantile Exchange, gold futures for June delivery traded at USD1,485.95 a troy ounce during late Asian trade, dipping 0.12%.
Earlier in the day, gold prices climbed to a fresh all-time high of USD1,489.65 a troy ounce, prompting some investors to lock in gains.
Meanwhile, the U.S. dollar was broadly higher against the euro as ongoing concerns over the sovereign debt problems in peripheral euro zone nations weighed on the single currency.
The dollar index, which tracks the performance of the greenback versus a basket of six other major currencies, was up 0.26% to hit 75.22.
A stronger dollar saps demand for raw materials as an alternative investment and makes metals priced in the currency more expensive in terms of other monies.
Despite the pullback, gold prices were expected to remain well-supported amid ongoing concerns over accelerating global inflation.
Official data released Friday showed that China's annual rate of inflation in March rose to a 32-month high of 5.4%, up from 4.9% in February. Meanwhile, consumer price inflation in the euro zone increased more-than-expected in March, rising by 2.7%, the highest level since October 2008.
Elsewhere, silver for July delivery climbed 0.35% to hit a fresh 31-year high of USD43.16 a troy ounce, while copper for July delivery gained 0.45% to trade at USD4.292 a pound during late Asian trade.