PRECIOUS-Gold eases as strong US jobs data tempers Fed rate‑cut expectations

By Noel John

Feb 12 (Reuters) - Gold prices ticked lower on Thursday, after unexpectedly strong U.S. jobs data for January dented hopes for more interest rate cuts from the Federal Reserve in the near term.

Spot gold XAU= edged 0.3% lower to $5,064.29 per ounce by 1014 GMT. U.S. gold futures GCcv1 for April delivery lost 0.2% to $5,086.50 per ounce.

Spot silver XAG= fell 0.7% to $83.47 per ounce, after a 4% climb on Wednesday.

"Gold eased back from above $5,100 and silver from above $86 after stronger-than-expected U.S. jobs data tempered expectations of imminent Fed rate cuts, lifting the dollar," said Ole Hansen, head of commodity strategy at Saxo Bank.

"The renewed focus on incoming economic data suggests a degree of normalisation following the recent volatility spike, while the upcoming Lunar New Year holiday in China may further dampen risk appetite and liquidity," Hansen added.

Fed policymakers appear likely to keep interest rates on hold for longer after data on Wednesday showed the U.S. job market began 2026 on a stronger footing than expected.

U.S. job growth increased in January by 130,000 jobs after a downwardly revised 48,000 rise in December, while the unemployment rate fell to 4.3%.

Economists polled by Reuters had forecast payrolls advancing by 70,000 jobs.

Lower interest rates reduce the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding gold.

Investors are waiting for the weekly U.S. jobless claims report later in the day and inflation data on Friday for more cues on the Fed's monetary policy path.

"I think the CPI (inflation) print on Friday will be key. If we get a softer CPI print coupled with the jobs report data, that could keep gold from advancing much further and could see gold make a foray back below the $5000/oz mark," said Zain Vawda, analyst at MarketPulse by OANDA.

Spot platinum XPT= shed 1.5% to $2,098.94 per ounce, while palladium XPD= rose 0.7% to $1,710.26.