Gold Faces a Lackluster January with a Close Eye on the Fed

Gold prices are on track to mark their first monthly decline in four, as expectations for early U.S. interest rate cuts wane ahead of the Federal Reserve’s policy decision. Spot gold hovered around $2,037.30 per ounce, reflecting a modest drop of 1.2% for the month, amidst reduced bets for a March rate cut by the Fed. The precious metal’s performance this month contrasts sharply with its record high in December, driven by previous rate cut speculations.