- Gold prices remained steady in Asian trading on Monday following modest gains last week, as the dollar stayed near a four-month low amid uncertainty surrounding U.S. trade policies.

- Investors also analyzed last week's jobs report and comments from the Federal Reserve Chair to assess the central bank's interest rate outlook.

- Spot gold remained almost unchanged at $2,911.21 per ounce, while gold futures expiring in April rose by 0.1% to $2,918.27 per ounce.

- In a recent interview on Fox News, President Donald Trump refrained from predicting whether the U.S. might face a recession in 2025 amid escalating trade tensions.

- The Trump administration has imposed 25% tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada, with additional measures targeting China. These policies have raised concerns about a potential economic slowdown and rising inflation.

- The tariffs, particularly those on steel and aluminum imports from Canada and Mexico, which are set to take effect on Wednesday, have unsettled investors, leading to increased market volatility.

- In response to these concerns, investors increasingly turn to safe-haven assets like gold. The precious metal has recently surged to record highs.

- Gold prices remained supported as the U.S. Dollar Index hovered near its four-month low from last week.

- The dollar’s decline against major currencies makes gold, priced in dollars, more attractive to investors.

- On the other hand, platinum futures remained steady at $966.25 per ounce, while silver futures rose by 0.3% to $32.943 per ounce.

- Economic data released on Friday showed a mixed picture, with the U.S. economy adding 151,000 jobs in February, slightly below expectations, and the unemployment rate rising to 4.1%. The weaker-than-expected data bolstered expectations for further interest rate cuts in 2025.

- However, Federal Reserve Chair Powell indicated that the central bank would adopt a patient stance on interest rates, acknowledging that the U.S. economy remains in a good position despite elevated uncertainties.

Powell also added that the Federal Reserve was cautiously evaluating recent changes in Trump's economic policy, including tariffs and layoffs for federal workers.

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