Any signs of sticky inflation might further diminish expectations of US interest rate cuts this year, pressuring yellow metal.
The US PPI report for April and Fed Chair Jerome Powell's speech will be in the spotlight on Tuesday.
The gold price (XAU/USD) rebounds despite the consolidation of the US Dollar (USD) on Tuesday. The upside of yellow metal might be limited as traders might wait on the sidelines ahead of key US inflation data this week. The higher-for-longer US rate mantra has exerted some selling pressure on the XAU/USD in recent sessions. However, the safe-haven flows due to escalating Middle East tensions might boost the gold price for the time being.
Investors will closely watch the key US economic data this week. The US Producer Price Index (PPI) for April is due on Tuesday, along with Fed Chair Jerome Powell's speech. The attention will shift to the US Consumer Price Index (CPI), due on Wednesday. These reports could offer insights into the timing of the Fed's initial rate adjustment. The hotter-than-expected inflation figures might dampen the prospect of a Fed rate cut, weighing on the precious metal. Higher interest rates may reduce overall investment demand for gold as they increase the opportunity cost associated with holding gold.
