Gold prices eased on Friday and were on course for their first weekly decline in nine weeks, weighed down by a stronger US dollar and investor caution ahead of key US inflation data due later in the day. Spot gold fell 0.2% to $4,116.09 per ounce as of 0504 GMT, while US gold futures for December delivery slipped 0.4% to $4,131.10 per ounce, according to Reuters.

Bullion has lost about 3% so far this week, its steepest fall since mid-May as traders booked profits after a prolonged rally that drove prices to record highs earlier this month. The dollar index gained for a third consecutive session, making gold more expensive for non-US buyers and dampening sentiment.

“A meeting between the US and Chinese leaders stands a decent chance of de-escalating trade tensions, which is aiding the d

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