Gold prices eased on Tuesday as investors avoided large positions while awaiting clearer signals from the Federal Reserve on interest rates. A slightly stronger U.S. dollar and firm 10-year Treasury yields have reduced bullion’s appeal, while mixed comments from Fed officials have clouded the timing and pace of potential rate cuts. CME FedWatch futures show roughly a 60% chance of a September cut, down from about 70% a month ago, after stronger-than-expected jobs data and persistent inflation. This week’s CPI and retail sales reports, along with upcoming Fed minutes and speeches by Chair Jerome Powell, could shape expectations. A hotter CPI reading may support steady rates, while a cooler result could revive rate-cut hopes. Gold is likely to remain range-bound in the near term as traders balance inflation, dollar strength, rate expectations and the resilience of the U.S. economy.