Gold prices dropped significantly

Gold prices fell nearly 1 percent, returning to yesterday's low as the stock recovery has prompted some investors to lock in profits. In the course of trading is also affected by expectations of publishing minutes of the last Fed meeting.

"The precious metal fell today as investors once again turned their attention to the stock markets - said principal analyst Ava Trade Naeem Aslam -. However, the situation may change after the release of the Fed minutes of the meeting."

Recall, the Fed's minutes of the meeting will be presented today at 18:00 GMT. Market participants hope that the protocol will contain clues regarding US monetary policy outlook, as well as the reasons that forced politicians to leave rates unchanged at the March meeting. Recall, higher interest rates have a downward pressure on the price of gold, which brings its holders to interest income and that is difficult to compete with the assets, bringing that income against the background of increasing interest rates. Late last month, Fed Chairman Yellen provoked gold rally after allegations that the central bank should remain cautious on further rate increase. However, the head of the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston President Eric Rosengren and Chicago Fed Charles Evans indicated this week that the market's opinion on the prospects of raising rates too pessimistic. Futures on interest rates Fed point to 3% probability of a rate hike in April and 22% probability in June.

Some analysts point out that the price of gold near $ 1230 per troy ounce reasonable and should be stable in the short term.

In addition, it became known that the gold reserves in the largest investment fund SPDR Gold Trust yesterday fell 0.28 tons to 815.44 tons. Recall, the fund reported on this year's first weekly outflow of inventories last week.

April futures price of gold on COMEX fell today to $ 1221.9 an ounce.