Gold futures retreated below $4,400 an ounce in Asian trading Monday as market participants assessed developments in the Middle East and their possible repercussions for inflation and interest rates. Anticipation is building for appearances this week by several Federal Reserve officials, as investors seek additional insight into the trajectory of monetary policy. The dollar index stabilized proximate to 100, following a gain of over 1% last week spurred by the Federal Reserve’s rate increase and indications of a hawkish stance, which exerted downward pressure on bullion. Silver also experienced a decline toward $66 an ounce, interrupting a two-session advance, while domestic silver futures retreated below Rs 2,40,000 per kg. On MCX, October gold futures registered a 0.6% decrease, trading at Rs 1,53,461 per 10 grams. Concurrently, oil prices prolonged their descent for a fourth consecutive session amidst indications of heightened diplomatic initiatives designed to de-escalate the Middle East conflict and reinstate regional energy distribution.