Gold Slides Below $4,100 Amid Profit-Taking
Gold prices extended their decline on Wednesday, falling more than 1% below $4,100 per ounce as traders booked profits following recent record rallies amid a stronger risk appetite. On Tuesday, bullion had plunged over 5%, marking its steepest daily drop since August 2020. Investor optimism was fueled by expectations of easing US–China trade tensions, with Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping set to meet next week to address tariff disputes and prevent further escalation. Despite the recent pullback, gold remains up 60% year-to-date, supported by expectations of further Federal Reserve easing and ongoing geopolitical uncertainties, including reports that the planned Trump-Putin summit was postponed after Moscow refused a Ukraine ceasefire. Markets are pricing in two additional Fed rate cuts by year-end, with investors now turning to Friday’s CPI report for fresh guidance on monetary policy.