Trump says Iran war deal close Spot gold down over 2 for the week Fed policy meeting due next week Palladium heads for weekly gain June 12 Reuters Gold steadied on Friday as oil fell on rising hopes for a peace deal between Iran and the United States, but prices remained on track for a second straight weekly decline due to expectations of higher interest rates. Spot gold was little changed at 4,217.95 per ounce, as of 0843 GMT, but was down more than 2 for the week. U.S. gold futures rose 3 to 4,238.50. Gold prices are moving in line with statements from the U.S. President, but the overriding influence remains inflation, with markets expecting rate hikes from the ECB and also anticipating that the Fed will follow, said Quantitative Commodity Research analyst Peter Fertig. Gold39;s price move will depend on how steep the increase in inflation rate is. If we see a further acceleration in the coming months, the 4,000 handle could be broken to the downside. U.S. President Donald Trump said a deal with Iran could be signed as soon as this weekend, even as Tehran said it had not made a final decision on a pact. Oil prices extended losses from the previous session on the news. Gold has been under strain since the Iran conflict began, with worries that surging energy costs may drive inflation higher, reinforcing expectations that central banks will keep interest rates elevated, thereby increasing the opportunity cost of holding nonyielding bullion. ANZ lowered its...