Gold dipped to around $4,340 per ounce on Tuesday but remained close to the fresh record set in the previous session, supported by its safe-haven appeal and expectations of US rate cuts. The ongoing US government shutdown continued to fuel uncertainty, though White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett suggested the impasse could be resolved this week. Investors also monitored US-China trade developments, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent set to meet Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng in Malaysia this week. The meeting between the two officials comes ahead of the planned talks between President Donald Trump and President Xi Jinping. Meanwhile, markets continued to price in a 25 bps rate cut by the Federal Reserve later this month, with another likely in December. Investors now await Friday’s September CPI report for further insight, which was delayed due to the shutdown.