PRECIOUS-Gold slips as traders await US jobs data, monitor Mideast tensions

Among other metals, spot silver XAG= fell 0.2% at $66.42, platinum XPT= edged 0.4% higher at $1,797.71, while palladium XPD= steadied at $1,355.08.

Gold prices slipped on Tuesday as traders assessed Middle East tensions and awaited key U.S. labour market data due this week that could shape expectations for Federal Reserve monetary policy.

Spot gold XAU= was down 0.4% at $4,428.54 per ounce by 0432 GMT, after hitting its lowest level since August 19 in the previous session.

U.S. gold futures GCcv1 edged 0.1% lower to $4,477.20.

Key U.S. data this week include job openings, the ADP employment report and nonfarm payrolls data that will be scrutinised for clues on labour market health and the interest rate outlook.

U.S. President Donald Trump told reporters in the Oval Office that he has a lot of respect for Warsh and that "he'll do what he has to do" on interest rates.

Meanwhile, Trump threatened further strikes against Iran on Monday after the first exchange of direct attacks in a month, raising tensions in a conflict that had recently shifted into an economic standoff. Oil prices rose for a second straight session. O/R

Last week, spot gold scaled its highest level in more than three months before tumbling 3% on Friday after Chair Kevin Warsh said the Fed will "have work to do" if policymakers don't get the confidence they need that inflation is heading down to 2%.