Precious metal poised for 3% weekly advance amid Fed easing bets

Gold futures eased beneath the $3600 threshold on Friday, consolidating after touching a record high of $3640.10 earlier in the week. Despite the pullback, the metal remains on course for a weekly gain exceeding 3%, underpinned by safe-haven inflows and heightened expectations of imminent Federal Reserve policy easing. The dollar index slipped below 98 as market participants awaited the August nonfarm payrolls report, following a subdued ADP print of 54,000 jobs that reinforced dovish sentiment. Elevated geopolitical frictions, concerns over the Fed’s autonomy under President Trump’s influence, and persistent global trade uncertainties further buoyed demand for bullion. On the domestic front, MCX October gold futures advanced 0.26% to ₹106698 per 10 grams, reflecting resilient investor appetite.