• Gold price failed to build on the overnight positive move in the wake of the upbeat US data.
• Easing US recession fears boost investors’ confidence and contribute to capping the metal.
• Geopolitical risks and bets on an imminent start of the Fed’s rate-cutting cycle lend support.

Gold price (XAU/USD) attracted some dip-buying near the $2,432 area on Thursday and climbed over 1.5% intraday amid the risk of widening conflict in the Middle East. The precious metal, however, stalled the intraday move up near the $2,470 hurdle following the release of the upbeat US macro data, which eased fears of a recession in the world's largest economy and dashed hopes for a more aggressive policy easing by the Federal Reserve (Fed). This, in turn, pushed the US Treasury bond yields and provided a goodish lift to the US Dollar (USD). Apart from this, the risk-on rally in the US equity markets contributed to capping gains for the commodity. 

Nevertheless, the Gold price settled with modest intraday gains, snapping a two-day losing streak, and held steady above the $2,450 level during the Asian session on Friday. Investors still seem convinced that the Fed will begin its rate-cutting cycle in September. This keeps a lid on any meaningful upside for the US bond yields and the USD, which, in turn, continues to act as a tailwind for the non-yielding yellow metal. Traders now look to the second-tier US macro data – Building Starts and Housing Permits, along with the Preliminary Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index – for short-term opportunities later during the early North American session.