Gold prices were steady on Thursday ahead of a key US inflation report that may influence expectations around when the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates this year.

The incoming US inflation data, speeches from Fed officials and threat of a potential US government shutdown could rock the dollar next week.

Chinese stocks paved the way higher for Asian shares on Tuesday as optimism from China’s measures to cut stamp duty boosted risk appetite.

As the countdown draws closer to the key US jobs report later today (Friday, August 4), investors may already be keeping a close eye on what’s to come in the week ahead.