Gold gains as stocks fall; weak US data spurs safe-haven demand

Bengaluru: Gold edged up on Thursday from a near three-week low hit in the previous session, supported by softer US economic data and a fall in Asian shares following a report that President Donald Trump was being probed for possible obstruction of justice.

Weaker US retail and inflation data overshadowed a rate hike by the US Federal Reserve on Wednesday, raising doubts about the improvement in the economy and pressurizing the dollar.

"Although the Fed is saying the data is transitory, the market is struggling to align with this view," said Jeffrey Halley, senior market analyst at OANDA.

"Thus we are seeing the US dollar under pressure which has been positive for gold in the short-term."

Spot gold was up 0.3 per cent at $1,264.76 per ounce by 0422 GMT. It hit a low of $1,256.65 in the previous session, its weakest since May 26.

US gold futures for August delivery fell 0.7 per cent to $1,266.50 an ounce.

"We are looking for gold to hold support around USD $1,260, with expectations that the recent soft US data and ongoing geopolitical concerns should be supportive," MKS PAMP trader Sam Laughlin said in a note.

Risk sentiment was hit after Washington Post reported that Trump is being investigated by special counsel Robert Mueller for possible obstruction of justice.

As long as uneasiness around the Trump government among speculators and investors exists, gold will hold up pretty well, said Yuichi Ikemizu, Tokyo branch manager at ICBC Standard Bank.

Gold considered a safe haven during times of political and financial uncertainty.

"Spot gold was also supported by short-term interest in physical gold in Asia, especially from Shanghai this morning," Halley said.