Shafaq News/ Gold prices hit a nine-month high on Thursday before trading steady, as investors hunkered down for U.S. economic data that could influence the Federal Reserve's policy tightening path.

Spot gold XAU= was flat at $1,944.96 per ounce, as of 0244 GMT, after hitting its highest since April 2022. U.S. gold futures GCv1 were up 0.2% at $1,945.60.

The dollar index .DXY held steady but hovered near an eight-month low. USD/

Market attention turns to the fourth-quarter U.S. GDP data due at 1330 GMT, which could set the tone for the Fed's upcoming policy meeting.

"U.S. GDP data is likely to confirm a slowing U.S. economy. If the view forms that the economy is heading into a recession, then we should see a further shift of funds from equities towards gold and dollar," said Michael Langford, director at corporate advisory firm AirGuide.

"The key question for investors will be how much dollar will strengthen and how this will impact gold prices in near-term."

Most investors are expecting the Fed to raise rates by 25 basis points (bps) at its Jan. 31-Feb. 1 policy meeting. The U.S. central bank slowed its tightening pace to 50 bps last month after four consecutive 75-bps hikes.

"Gold might trade between the $1,935 and $1,960 range until we get to the Fed event," Edward Moya, senior analyst with OANDA, wrote in a note dated Wednesday.

Bullion is a non-yielding asset and stands to benefit amid lower rates, as returns on other assets such as government bonds are reduced.

Investors will also scan the U.S. weekly initial jobless claims data due later in the day and U.S. personal consumption expenditures (PCE) data on Friday.

Spot silver XAG= fell 0.2% to $23.85 per ounce, platinum XPT= lost 0.4% to $1,035.16, and palladium XPD= was down 0.2% to $1,695.29.

Source: Reuters