Gold holds steady near 3-week low as markets weigh quicker Fed hikes

Gold was flat on Monday, hovering near a three-week low, as traders awaited December U.S. inflation data that could reinforce the case for earlier-than-expected interest rate hikes by the U.S. Federal Reserve after weaker jobs data.

Spot gold was little changed at $1,795.11 per ounce by 0234 GMT, after hitting its lowest since Dec. 16 of $1,782.10 on Friday. U.S. gold futures were down 0.2% at $1,794.00, Reuters reported.

Spot silver was flat at $22.29 an ounce, platinum rose 0.1% to $956.10, and palladium shed 0.3% to $1,927.25.