PRECIOUS-Gold gains on softer dollar as investors await US trade updates

By Brijesh Patel

July 21 (Reuters) - Gold prices climbed on Monday, supported by a weaker dollar as investors monitored developments in U.S. trade talks and awaited potential market-moving catalysts, including the Federal Reserve's policy meeting scheduled for next week.

Spot gold XAU= was up 0.6% at $3,369.02 per ounce, as of 0654 GMT. U.S. gold futures GCcv1 rose 0.5% to $3,376.40.

"Dollar has made a subdued start to the week, which has left the door open for gold to post gains early doors with tariff deadlines looming large," KCM Trade Chief Market Analyst Tim Waterer said. USD/

"The closer we move towards the key August 1 deadline without any new trade deals emerging, the more likely gold is to start fancying another run to towards the $3,400 level and perhaps beyond."

The dollar index .DXY weakened 0.2% against its rivals, making gold less expensive for other currency holders. USD/

Investors are eyeing developments in trade negotiations ahead of U.S. President Donald Trump's August 1 deadline, as U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick remains optimistic about reaching a deal with the European Union.

Trump might visit China before going to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit between October 30 and November 1, or he could meet Chinese leader Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the APEC event in South Korea, reports said.

At its meeting later this week, the European Central Bank is expected to hold interest rates steady at 2.0% following a string of cuts.

Last week, Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller said he still believes that the U.S. central bank should cut rates at its policy meeting next week.

Gold, often considered a safe-haven asset during economic uncertainties, tends to do well in a low interest rate environment.

In Japan, the ruling coalition lost control of the upper house in an election on Sunday, further weakening Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's grip on power as the U.S. tariff deadline looms.

Elsewhere, spot silver XAG= gained 0.4% to $38.33 per ounce, platinum XPT= added 1.1% to $1,437.53 and palladium XPD= climbed 1.3% to $1,256.98.