Gold prices fell over 2% after stronger-than-expected U.S. jobs data dampened hopes for interest rate cuts this year. Spot gold dropped 2.5% to $2,315.36 per ounce, and U.S. gold futures fell 2.4% to $2,333.30. The bearish sentiment was further influenced by China halting its gold purchases in May. The robust jobs report showed 272,000 new jobs in May, outpacing the expected 185,000, with average hourly earnings rising by 0.4%.