Gold edges lower as Trump extends EU tariff deadline
May 26 (Reuters) - Gold prices eased on Monday after U.S. President Donald Trump set a July 9 deadline for a trade deal with the European Union, rescinding his earlier threat of a 50% tariff from June 1.
Spot gold was down 0.3% at $3,346.59 an ounce, as of 0312 GMT. U.S. gold futures fell 0.6% to $3,345.70.
"There is (a) kind of element of relief in the marketplace after (the) pause on tariffs on the EU and we're seeing gold weaken," said Kyle Rodda, Capital.com's financial market analyst.
However, the trend is still positive for gold because of the United States' actions, which is impacting them as well and that could negatively impact the dollar and U.S. assets, he said, adding that most of the central banks were moving away from the dollar to gold.
Trump on Sunday backed off his threat to speed up 50% tariffs on imports from the European Union, agreeing to extend his deadline for trade talks until July 9 after the head of the EU executive body said the bloc needed more time to "reach a good deal."
Gold prices rose more than 2% to a two-week peak on Friday, supported by safe-haven inflows after Trump recommended 50% tariffs on European Union imports from June 1 and said he was considering a 25% tariff on any Apple iPhones made outside the United States.
The dollar index (.DXY), opens new tab, meanwhile, fell to a nearly one-month low against its rivals. A weaker dollar makes greenback-priced gold less expensive for other currency holders.
On the geopolitical front, Russian forces launched a barrage of 367 drones and missiles at Ukrainian cities overnight, in the largest aerial attack of the war so far, killing at least 12 people and injuring dozens more, officials said.
SPDR Gold Trust , the world's largest gold-backed exchange-traded fund, said its holdings fell 0.15% to 922.46 tons on Friday from 923.89 tons on Thursday.
Spot silver was steady at $33.46 an ounce, platinum edged 0.2% lower to $1,093 and palladium gained 0.7% to $999.90.
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