Kuala Lumpur:Gold futures on Bursa Malaysia Derivatives declined on Thursday, aligning with weaker global bullion prices. Investors weighed mixed US economic data and awaited further insights into US monetary policy.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, SPI Asset Management managing partner Stephen Innes noted that gold initially recovered to above US$4,200 per troy ounce ahead of US inflation data but faced renewed pressure despite a softer-than-expected reading.

Innes explained that while the softer inflation data could have supported bullion, other economic indicators highlighted continued US resilience, leading to pressure on gold prices towards the end of the US trading session. Gold struggled to regain momentum during the Asian session, ending slightly lower amid reduced trading activity due to China's Golden Week holiday.

At the market close, the September 2026 spot-month contract decreased to US$4,172.70 per troy ounce from US$4,188.80 on Wednesday. The October 2026 contract fell to US$4,189.30 per troy ounce from US$4,201.30. The November 2026 contract dropped to US$4,206.00 per troy ounce from US$4,217.90, while the December 2026, February 2027, and April 2027 contracts all declined to US$4,206.00 per troy ounce from US$4,225.70.

Trading volume increased to 174 lots from 127 the previous day, and open interest rose to 213 contracts from 171. The London Bullion Market Association's afternoon fix for physical gold was set at US$4,176.30 per troy ounce on September 30.