GOLD FALLS 1% AS FED, MIDDLE EAST PRESSURE MOUNTS Gold posted a second straight loss as renewed Middle East military action and hawkish Fed expectations pressured prices. Front-month gold settled 1% lower at $4,431.10/oz, but still gained 9.4% in August. Silver fell 1.2% to $66.221/oz, while posting a 15% monthly gain. Markets now turn to upcoming America. inflation and labor data for direction.