Bullion Boom Pauses as Markets Weigh Fed's Long-Term Strategy

The gold market is taking a breather after a four-day advance, with prices slipping as traders reassess the longer-term outlook for US interest rates. While next week's Fed meeting is likely to bring a rate cut, the monetary policy trajectory for 2025 is less certain. This uncertainty, coupled with potential political changes, has caused some hesitation in the gold market. However, the precious metal remains poised for its best yearly performance in over four decades, buoyed by various supportive factors including central bank buying and safe-haven demand.