[Gold Prices Retreat from Highs to $4,300, Market Expects Fed to Ease Policy Next Year] After reaching a historic high last weekend, gold prices plummeted on Monday, with international spot gold prices briefly retreating to around $4,300 per ounce. Analysts pointed out that thin liquidity ahead of the year-end holidays intensified profit-taking, while a moderate rebound in the U.S. dollar also pressured gold prices. Despite the short-term correction, the market still expects the Federal Reserve to ease monetary policy next year. Concerns over U.S. political developments and central bank independence continue to sustain an environment of uncertainty for safe-haven assets.