Gold prices remain steady as the US dollar strengthens, with traders balancing profit-taking impulses against potential Federal Reserve rate cuts. The precious metal, hovering around $2,650 per ounce, faces headwinds from a robust dollar and higher Treasury yields but continues to be supported by expectations of future rate reductions. Despite these challenges, analysts anticipate gold could reach new record highs by the end of the year, building on its nearly 30% gain so far in 2024.