Investing.com - Gold prices were little changed near four-month lows on Monday, as a broadly stronger U.S. dollar continued to dampen demand for the precious metal.
On the Comex division of the New York Mercantile Exchange, gold futures for December delivery were little changed at $1,256.15.
The December contract ended Friday’s session 0.17% lower at $1,255.50 an ounce.
Futures were likely to find support at $1,249.5, the low from October 7 and a four-month low and resistance at $1,259.00, the high from October 13.
Gold prices remained under pressure as Friday’s upbeat U.S. data kept the U.S. dollar at a seven-month peak against other major currencies.
A stronger U.S. dollar usually weighs on gold, as it dampens the metal's appeal as an alternative asset and makes dollar-priced commodities more expensive for holders of other currencies.
The greenback strengthened broadly after U.S. retail sales rose 0.6% in September, in line with expectations and after a revised 0.2% fall the previous month.
In addition, the U.S. producer price index rose 0.3% in September, compared to expectations for an increase of 0.2%.
The upbeat data added to expectations for an upcoming U.S. rate hike after the minutes of the Federal Reserve’s September policy meeting showed last week that several voting members believed a rate hike would be warranted "relatively soon" if the U.S. economy continued to strengthen.
Gold is sensitive to moves in U.S. rates, which lift the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding assets such as bullion.
Market participants were looking ahead to reports on U.S. industrial production and manufacturing activity in the New York area, due later in the day, for further indications on the strength of the economy.
Elsewhere in metals trading, silver futures for December delivery were up 0.09% at $17.457 a troy ounce, while copper futures for December delivery added 0.12% to $2.113 a pound.