Key Takeaways Gold prices have been under pressure this year. A stronger U.S. dollar and the Fed's hawkish stance continue to weigh on its prices. Note that the Fed enacted the first rate hike of this year in September. There are expectations of another Fed rate hike this year. However, rising geopolitical tensions could support bullion by boosting safe-haven demand. While the prospect of another U.S. interest-rate hike may limit near-term gains, expectations that the Fed could avoid further tightening in 2 ...