Gold Holds Below $4,000 as Market Looks Ahead to Fed Rate Hike

Gold held below $4,000 an ounce as persistent inflation and hawkish remarks from Federal Reserve officials fueled expectations for an interest-rate hike next month. The precious metal's drop reflects growing market sentiment that the Fed will tighten policy further, pressuring non-yielding assets. Investors now await the Fed's next meeting for clarity on the rate path.