Gold prices edge higher with focus on Fed’s policy decision
Live Mint* Attention on U.S. Fed's dot plot * Chile's central bank extends its easing cycle * U.S. GDP and inflation data due later this week By Rahul Paswan Dec 18 - Gold prices edged higher on Wednesday as attention turned to the Federal Reserve's upcoming monetary policy decision, with the U.S. central bank anticipated to implement a third rate cut this year and provide insights into its plans for 2025. The U.S. Fed began its two-day policy meeting on Tuesday, with focus on the central bank's updated economic projections and the dot plot, which could alter expectations for the rate trajectory through 2025 and 2026. U.S. retail sales increased more than expected in November, adding to warmer inflation readings in recent months and suggesting that the central bank could pause rate reduction in January. Chile's central bank cut its benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points to 5.00% on Tuesday, extending an easing cycle that began last year.