PRECIOUS-Gold hits one-month high as prospects for Fed cuts rise on softer US inflation data

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Gold hits its highest level since Dec. 12

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Traders bring back bets on two Fed rate cuts in 2025

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De-escalating geopolitical tensions can dilute safe-haven demand-analyst

(Updates with EMEA morning hours)

By Anushree Mukherjee and Ashitha Shivaprasad

Jan 16 (Reuters) - Gold prices firmed near one-month highs hit earlier on Thursday after a softer-than-expected core U.S. inflation print increased chances of two Federal Reserve rate cuts this year, with the first likely in June.

Spot gold gained 0.3% to $2,704.56 per ounce as of 0934 GMT after hitting its highest level since Dec. 12 earlier in the session. U.S. gold futures gained 0.7% to $2,736.50.

Further gains in safe-haven bullion were, however, limited as Hamas and Israel reached a deal for a ceasefire in Gaza after 15 months of conflict and heightened Middle East tensions.

Gold rallied to multiple-record highs and is still up nearly 50% since the war began in October 2023.

"Although de-escalating geopolitical tensions can dilute demand for safe havens, bullion is still holding on to most of its post-CPI gains, suggesting that the Fed rate outlook remains the primary driver for gold prices," said Exinity Group chief market analyst Han Tan.

"Gold should find itself in a supportive environment, so long as market participants can hold on to expectations for Fed rate cuts in 2025."

Interest rate futures traders are pricing in near-even odds that the Fed would reduce rates twice by the end of this year, with the first reduction to come in June. Before the inflation data on Wednesday, futures were only pricing a single quarter-point interest-rate cut in 2025.

Core U.S. inflation increased 0.2% in December after rising 0.3% for four straight months.

Central bank officials noted U.S. inflation continues to ease after Wednesday's data, but foresee uncertainty due to anticipated Trump administration policies.

Investors are worried that the potential for tariffs after Donald Trump re-enters the White House next week could stoke inflation and limit the Fed's ability to lower rates to a greater extent.

Non-yielding bullion, a hedge against inflation, loses its appeal with higher interest rates.

Elsewhere, spot silver rose 0.7% to $30.87 per ounce and platinum firmed 0.6% to $944.23, while palladium fell 0.8% to $953.49.

(Reporting by Anushree Mukherjee and Ashitha Shivaprasad in Bengaluru, additional reporting by Swati Verma; Editing by Tasim Zahid)