Gold, down about 1% in the prior session, was slightly softer in early Monday trade near $4,425. Stronger-than-expected U.S. August payrolls and unchanged unemployment bolstered the case for a Fed rate hike at next week’s meeting. A firmer dollar and rising odds of a September hike—now ~60% versus ~50% early Friday—make dollar-priced, non‑yielding gold more expensive for buyers. Escalating Middle East tensions are adding inflation risk and concerns about prolonged energy supply disruption. Frida

Gold, down about 1% in the prior session, was slightly softer in early Monday trade near $4,425. Stronger-than-expected U.S. August payrolls and unchanged unemployment bolstered the case for a Fed rate hike at next week’s meeting. A firmer dollar and rising odds of a September hike—now ~60% versus ~50% early Friday—make dollar-priced, non‑yielding gold more expensive for buyers. Escalating Middle East tensions are adding inflation risk and concerns about prolonged energy supply disruption. Friday’s U.S. CPI will be watched for cues on Fed policy.