PRECIOUS-Gold firms on softer dollar, but dimming Fed rate-cut hopes cap rise

By Noel John

March 30 (Reuters) - Gold rose on Monday as the dollar softened, but gains were capped by a surge in energy prices that fuelled inflation worries and further dimmed expectations for U.S. Federal Reserve interest rate cuts this year.

Spot gold XAU= rose 0.8% to $4,528.74 per ounce as of 0627 GMT after falling about 1% earlier in the session. U.S. gold futures GCcv1 for April delivery gained 0.7% to $4,556.70.

The U.S. dollar eased, making dollar-denominated commodities more affordable for holders of other currencies. USD/

"Gold's price action last week (when it snapped a three-week losing streak) suggested a reaction to oversold behaviour, and a possible reversal of recent declines. However, this needs to be confirmed by price action this week. Given the rapid flow of headline news, it's easiest to expect volatility," said Nicholas Frappell, global head of institutional markets at ABC Refinery.

Brent crude rallied above $115 a barrel after Yemeni Houthis launched attacks on Israel over the weekend, widening the ongoing war and adding to inflation woes. The contract is up 60% so far in March, a record monthly rise. O/R

While inflation typically boosts gold's appeal as a hedge, elevated interest rates weigh on the non-yielding metal's demand.

Markets now await Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's remarks at a Harvard event later in the day, as well as remarks from New York Fed President John Williams.

Gold has fallen more than 14% so far this month, marking its steepest monthly decline since October 2008, pressured by the U.S. dollar, which has gained more than 2% since the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran began on February 28. However, bullion is up about 5% so far this quarter. USD/

"The bigger macro picture behind that underperformance is the huge shift in interest rate expectations... The USD has picked up on that," said Frappell.

Spot silver XAG= rose 1.5% to $70.61 per ounce. Spot platinum XPT= gained 3.4% to $1,925.85 and palladium XPD= rose 3% to $1,417.75.