Gold prices today, Monday, August 17, 2026: Gold ticks up after lower retail sales report

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Gold ( GC=F ) December futures opened at $4,440 per troy ounce on Monday, August 17, 2026 , up 0.1% from Friday's closing price. The price of gold is holding this morning at $4,440.10 per troy ounce as of 9:06 a.m. ET.

The gold price opened higher Monday morning, recording a 2.4% weekly gain at the open. Weakness in the U.S. dollar and in recent economic data contributed. The U.S. Dollar Index ( DX-Y.NYB ) declined 0.2%, though it is up 1.2% for the year. Retail sales in July were down 0.6% after nine months of increases, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Analysts had expected a retail sales gain of 0.1%. Consumer sentiment also pulled back after two months of higher ratings. The University of Michigan's Surveys of Consumers reported an 8% sentiment decline in August.

Softer economic data reduces the risk of interest rate increases in the short term, which can support a higher gold price. The balance is tentative, however. Ongoing conflict in the Middle East elevates the inflation risk but could prompt safe-haven demand for gold.

The opening price of gold futures on Monday, August 17, 2026 , was up 0.1% from Friday's closing price. Here's a look at how the opening gold price has changed versus last week, month, and year:

For context, the one-year gain for gold was 95.6% on Jan. 29.

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