Gold firms as dollar eases

LONDON, June 20 (Reuters): Gold prices steadied on Monday as an easing dollar and global economic worries countered concerns around aggressive monetary tightening by the US Federal Reserve, with focus being on several central bankers' views this week.
Spot gold was little changed at $1,838.36 per ounce by 1119 GMT, after falling 1.7 per cent last week -- its biggest since mid-May. US gold futures rose 0.1 per cent to $1,841.60.
The dollar index eased from near its highest level in about two decades, rekindling some demand for greenback-priced bullion among overseas buyers.
"Gold made an attempt to rebound this morning as the dollar softened and Treasury yields slipped. However, upside gains were capped by hawkish comments from Fed Governor Christopher Waller over the weekend," said senior analyst at FXTM Lukman Otunga.
"The precious metal is likely to remain within a range, thanks to the conflicting forces empowering both bulls and bears. A fresh catalyst could be needed to tip the balance of power."
Waller on Saturday became the latest US central banker to pledge a whatever-it-takes approach to fight inflation, days after the Fed raised interest rates by three-quarters of a percentage point and signalled more hikes to come.
Spot silver fell 0.1 per cent to $21.62 per ounce, while platinum rose 0.6 per cent to $938.54. Palladium gained 0.8 per cent to $1,830.66.