Gold prices held steady at $4,070 per ounce on Monday, after a two-day decline, as investors braced for a flood of delayed US economic data set to be released this week. September’s non-farm payrolls report on Thursday, will be closely watched for insights into the health of the American economy and the likely path of the Federal Reserve’s interest rates. Expectations for a December rate cut have diminished following hawkish comments from Fed officials last week, with markets now pricing in a 46% probability, compared to over 60% earlier this month. So far this year, bullion has surged 55%, on track for its strongest annual gain since 1979, buoyed by robust central bank buying and sustained demand from investors seeking protection against rising fiscal and geopolitical risks.