Gold prices fell in European trade on Thursday, sharpening losses for the fourth straight session, and plumbing three-week lows as investment demand declined on the safe haven. 

The dollar is also gaining ground and pressuring metals ahead of Fed Chair Jerome Powell's speech later today.

Gold Prices Today

Gold prices fell 0.3% to $1,944 an ounce, the lowest since October 18, after losing 1% on Wednesday, the third loss in a row, as investment demand declines while the dollar gains ground. 

Investment Demand

Gold failed to pierce $2000 once again this week as haven demand declines and there are some potential signs of an upcoming humanitarian truce in Gaza to help civilians. 

The Dollar

The dollar index rose 0.1% on Thursday, maintaining gains for the fourth straight session against a basket of major rivals.

Such gains came following bullish remarks by Fed officials, which bolstered the odds for another US interest rate hike next month. 

US Rates

Odds for a 0.25% interest rate hike by the Federal Reserve in December currently stands at 10%. 

Powell

Now investors await Fed Chair Jerome Powell's speech later today in Washington DC, which could hold clues on the likely path ahead for US policies. 

The SPDR

Gold holdings at the SPDR Gold Trust fell 0.29 tonnes yesterday, to a total of 867.28 tonnes, away from recent October 5 highs.