Gold prices settled Thursday at their highest level in four weeks, defying their usual inverse relationship with strength in the U.S. dollar and gains in Treasury yields, as fiscal worries prompt investors seek out safe-haven assets.

Gold prices fell on Monday as U.S. Treasury yields rose, while the Federal Reserve's recent hint at a slower pace of rate cuts in 2025 kept investors keenly awaiting a slew of economic data due this week to shed more light on that view.

Gold steadied after a two-day advance as traders mulled the outlook for the Federal Reserve’s easing path ahead of key jobs figures due later this week.

Gold prices edged lower on Wednesday, pressured by higher U.S. Treasury yields and a stronger dollar after data suggested the Federal Reserve might slow the pace of rate cuts this year. Spot gold was down 0.

Gold prices rose to the highest in nearly four weeks on Wednesday after slightly weaker than expected data on U.S. private employment for December reassured some market watchers that the Federal Reserve may be less cautious about easing rates this year.