Gold is holding steady as investors await more clarity on stalled peace talks between the United States and Iran, as well as key central bank decisions this week to see if the Middle East conflict has altered the interest rate outlook, Reuters reports.

Spot gold was up 0.2 per cent at $4,693.04 per ounce, as of 00:53 GMT (5:53am PKT). US gold futures for June delivery rose 0.3pc to $4,707.80.

Analysts have raised their annual gold price forecasts, a Reuters poll showed, with strong central bank demand and economic uncertainty expected to offset risks from surging inflation and hawkish policy bets due to the conflict.