Gold pauses rally ahead of key Fed decision

Gold prices edged lower on Wednesday as investors booked profits after a strong four-session rally that lifted bullion more than 2% this week. Sentiment was weighed by expectations of a U.S.-Iran peace agreement that could reopen the Strait of Hormuz and restore oil supplies, easing concerns over energy-driven inflation. International gold futures slipped 0.2% to $4,346 per ounce, while MCX August gold futures fell 0.3% to ₹1,52,628 per 10 grams. Lower oil prices have reduced inflation worries, shifting investor focus to the Federal Reserve?s policy decision later in the day. While rates are widely expected to remain unchanged, markets will closely monitor the Fed?s economic projections and guidance for signals on the future interest-rate outlook. Meanwhile, the Bank of Japan raised its policy rate to 1%, the highest level in 31 years.

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