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Ammon News - Gold prices rose more than 1% on Monday after last week's sharp declines, as a rally in the dollar paused, while market players awaited comments from Federal Reserve officials this week for more clues on the U.S. interest rate path.

Spot gold firmed 1.2% to $2,591.16 per ounce by 0444 GMT, after falling to its worst week in more than three years on Friday.

U.S. gold futures were up 1% at $2,595.70.

The dollar was flat after rising 1.6% last week. A weaker dollar makes bullion less expensive for buyers holding other currencies.

"Gold prices are due for a slight recovery following recent bout of hefty sell-offs and we may expect some drift higher with some rollover in the dollar," said IG market strategist Yeap Jun Rong.

"We can expect less-dovish rhetoric from U.S. policymakers in December, as the Fed sets the stage for a potential rate hold in January. This has not been fully priced in by markets yet, so any need for recalibration may still pose an obstacle for gold."

At least seven U.S. central bank officials are due to speak this week. Strong U.S. economic and inflation data continue to reshape the debate among Fed policymakers over the pace and extent of rate cuts as investors last week further downgraded their expectations for a rate reduction in December.

Data on Friday showed that U.S. retail sales increased slightly more than expected in October, highlighting the economy's resilience.

Higher interest rates reduce the appeal of holding non-yielding bullion.

Investors also took stock of news that President Joe Biden's administration has allowed Ukraine to use U.S.-made weapons to strike deep into Russia, in a significant reversal of Washington's policy in the Ukraine-Russia conflict.

Spot silver rose 1.5% to $30.67 per ounce, platinum was up 1.6% at $953.90 and palladium climbed 2.1% to $970.36.