Palestine Economy Portal.

Gold prices held steady on Tuesday near a two-week peak touched in the previous session amid fears of a global slowdown and tensions in the Middle East, while prices came under pressure as expectations for Sino-US trade improved.

Spot gold was trading at $ 1,521.62 an ounce, little changed from the previous session, highest since September 6 at $ 1,526.80 an ounce.

US gold futures fell 0.3 percent to $ 1,527.10 an ounce.

"Both countries (China and the United States) have given some indication again about the possibility of a deal and this is affecting gold a bit," said Michael McCarthy, chief market analyst at CMC Markets.

“If the talks break down again, they will support gold.”

US Treasury Secretary Stephen Mnuchin told Fox Business E that talks with China were planned within two weeks, giving a boost to the dollar and global equities.

Meanwhile, tensions in the Middle East have been rising since an attack on two Saudi oil facilities earlier this month, with Britain, Germany and France showing support for the United States and blaming Iran for the attacks.

Investors are also turning their attention to a British Supreme Court ruling on the suspension of parliament this month, which could further complicate Prime Minister Boris Johnson's plans to exit the country next month.

On other metals, the palladium spot fell 0.1 percent at 1651.79 an ounce after rising to a record 1664.50 on Monday.

Silver fell 0.5 percent to $ 18.53 an ounce after hitting a high since September at $ 18.74. Platinum fell 0.4 percent to $ 952.80.