(Kitco News) - The gold market is struggling to find any solid direction on Friday as U.S. inflation pressures remain elevated but have not accelerated.
However, analysts note that gold could face continued headwinds as the latest inflation data could force the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates next week.
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 0.4% in August, following a 0.1% increase in July, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics announced Tuesday. The inflation data were in line with economists’ expectations.
Over the past 12 months, headline inflation rose 3.4%, in line with economists’ expectations.
Meanwhile, core CPI, which strips out volatile food and energy prices, rose 0.3% last month, up from 0.2% in July. Monthly core inflation was slightly hotter than expected, as consensus forecasts projected a 0.2% increase.
Over the past 12 months, annual core inflation rose 2.4%, down slightly from 2.5% in July and in line with consensus estimates.
Gold has managed to hold on to modest gains in its initial reaction to the latest inflation data. Spot gold last traded at $4,337.20 an ounce, up 0.5% on the day.

