Gold prices maintained firm in early Asian hours on Monday, bolstered by statistics showing that inflation in the United States has slowed, raising hopes that the Federal Reserve may begin decreasing interest rates this year. The spot gold price remained barely changed at $2,323.74 per ounce. Gold futures fell 0.3% to $2,333. Spot silver dipped 0.3% to $29.05 per ounce, platinum was unchanged at $993.60, and palladium rose 0.2% to $974.50. Source: Qatar News Agency