PRECIOUS-Gold rises after three-session loss on encouraging US-Iran peace talks
Updates for European morning hours
By Sumit Saha and Ashitha Shivaprasad
June 22 (Reuters) - Gold rebounded on Monday, set to end a three-session losing streak, supported by a drop in Brent crude oil prices on positive progress in U.S.-Iran talks, even as the Federal Reserve's hawkish stance kept investors on edge.
Spot gold XAU= was up 1.2% at $4,208.58 per ounce, as of 1003 GMT, after falling to its lowest level since June 11 on Friday. U.S. gold futures GCcv1 for August delivery fell 0.4% to $4,226.90.
"Gold may be benefiting from flows of hot money moving out of oil and back into gold," independent analyst Ross Norman said.
High-ranking U.S. and Iranian officials wrapped up their first round of talks in Switzerland on Monday, with an Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson saying good progress has been made, according to Iran's Press TV.
The negotiations follow a memorandum reached last week to extend a fragile ceasefire agreed in April by at least 60 days.
Oil prices declined on the news, with Brent crude futures LCOc1 falling nearly 2%.
A spike in crude prices from the war has fueled inflation concerns and strengthened the case for higher interest rates, which typically dent gold's appeal as the metal does not offer yields. O/R
It is still too early to call a turnaround in gold, particularly with the Fed maintaining a hawkish outlook, said Norman.
U.S. Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh struck a firm tone on inflation at last week's press conference, offering little clarity on what conditions might delay a rate hike. His remarks reinforced market expectations that interest rates could rise in the near term.
Traders see an 89% chance of a rate increase in December, from 61% before the Fed's meeting, according to the CME FedWatch Tool. FEDWATCH
"We retain an upside bias, but $5,200/oz in 2H26 now looks more dependent on renewed ETF buying and evidence that lower oil is feeding into the rate outlook," analysts at Morgan Stanley said in a note on Friday.
Meanwhile, the British pound slipped after Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he would resign. USD/
Spot silver XAG= rose 2.3% to $66.41/ounce, platinum XPT= gained 0.9% to $1,678.19, and palladium XPD= was up 1.3% at $1,274.
