*Gold Market Update – Key Points* Gold prices edged higher on Monday, briefly testing the *$4,100 level before retreating to around $4,050 as traders remained cautious ahead of major U.S. economic releases this week. Investor focus is on U.S. data, including Thursday’s September nonfarm payrolls, which will offer fresh insight into economic momentum and guide expectations for the Federal Reserve’s interest-rate path. Rate-cut expectations have softened, with markets now pricing a 46% probability* of a quarter-point cut next month, down from 50% last week.  Analysts say scaled-back expectations and lingering uncertainty after the government shutdown are weighing on gold. Several Fed policymakers have expressed reluctance toward further easing, citing persistent *inflation concerns* and signs of labour-market stability after two rate cuts this year. Gold, a non-yielding asset, typically benefits from lower interest rates and economic uncertainty, but current Fed hesitation is limiting upside momentum. Meanwhile, the U.S. dollar index (DXY) remains firm, reducing gold’s appeal for holders of other currencies.