PRECIOUS-Gold slips 1% on rate cut uncertainty, set for third monthly rise

By Noel John

Oct 31 (Reuters) - Gold prices fell by 1% on Friday, weighed by uncertainty around another U.S. Federal Reserve interest rate cut this year, but the metal remained poised for a third straight monthly gain.

Spot gold XAU= fell 1% to $3,984.49 per ounce at 12.46 p.m. ET (1646 GMT) and was on track for a 3.3% gain this month.

U.S. gold futures GCcv1 for December delivery fell 0.5% at $3,997 per ounce.

The dollar index .DXY held near a three-month high, making greenback-priced bullion more expensive for other currency holders. USD/

Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland President Beth Hammack said on Friday she had opposed the central bank cutting interest rates this week, adding that the Fed needs to maintain some restriction to bring down inflation.

"Hammack is hammering gold as she becomes the third regional Fed President to publicly oppose further rate cuts at this stage given elevated inflation. Hammack will be an FOMC voter in 2026 and shows the market was over-optimistic in pricing lower rates," said Tai Wong, an independent metals trader.

Gold loses its appeal when interest rates are higher, as it is a non-yielding asset. The metal has gained 53% this year, hitting a record high of $4,381.21 on October 20.

Morgan Stanley said on Friday it continues to see upside for gold on interest rate cuts, ETF inflows, central bank purchases and ongoing economic uncertainty. The bank expects gold to average $4,300 in the first half of 2026.

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday he would trim tariffs on China to 47% from 57% in exchange for Beijing cracking down on illicit fentanyl trade, resuming U.S. soybean purchases and keeping rare earths exports flowing.

Elsewhere, spot silver XAG= fell 0.7% to $48.58 per ounce, platinum XPT= lost 1.7% to $1,582.89, and palladium XPD= fell 0.2% to $1,442.01.