Gold futures test $4,000 support as rate hike expectations rise.

Gold futures hovered near the $4,000 level as elevated inflation figures and hawkish commentary from Federal Reserve officials reinforced market expectations of an interest rate hike in December. While near-term sentiment remains clouded by policy headwinds, underlying central bank demand helped keep prices anchored above major technical support. Meanwhile, Silver futures rebounded following Tuesday's pullback, and Copper futures gained 0.8% to $6.28 as domestic processing premiums in China surged to record highs amid tighter physical availability.