Gold edges higher in early Asian trade, supported by waning risk appetite spurred by mild losses in U.S. stock-index futures. The outlook for gold prices this year remains positive, Commerzbank Research’s commodity analysts say in a research report. However, the U.S. economy will likely avoid a recession and the Fed will probably lower rates later and less sharply, the analysts say. Hence, the rise in gold price that the analysts expect will be delayed and less pronounced than previously thought, says Commerzbank, which lowers its end-2024 gold price forecast by $50 to $2,100/oz. Spot gold is up 0.1% at $2,031.09/oz.