Gold prices, which scaled record highs in the domestic market last week, are likely to face a crucial test in the coming days with investors watching US macroeconomic data and geopolitical tensions for cues on the trajectory of the precious metal, analysts said.
Upcoming US employment data, purchasing managers' index (PMI) readings from major economies, and speeches of several Federal Reserve officials will also be watched, they said.
"In the week ahead, focus will be on the manufacturing/services PMI data from across regions and the US employment data. Festive demand in India and uncertainty over the Russia-Ukraine peace deal as well as straining India-US relations, will also drive market sentiment," Pranav Mer, Vice President, EBG -- Commodity & Currency Research, JM Financial Services, said.