Gold price dives nearly 1% on a thin liquidity trading session on Monday as US markets are closed in observance of Presidents' Day, while China’s new year celebration will keep the markets closed for over a week. At the time of writing, XAU/USD trades at $4,992 after reaching a daily high of $5,054. Market sentiment remains positive, fueled by growing speculation that the Federal Reserve (Fed) will reduce interest rates at least twice this year. Factors like last week’s solid Nonfarm Payrolls report in the US and benign inflation data prompted investors to price in 60 basis points of easing towards the year’s end. ... (full story)