Safe-Haven Gold Heads for Monthly Gain on Mideast Worries, Fed

GOLD - LONDON. Gold prices firmed on Wednesday following the killing of Hamas leader in Iran, with the metal heading for a monthly gain driven by optimism about potential U.S. interest rate cuts as focus shifts to the Federal Reserve's upcoming policy decision.

Spot gold was up 0.5% at $2,420.41 per ounce, as of 0951 GMT, and has gained more than 4% for the month. U.S. gold futures added 0.6% to $2,418.60.