Gold prices firmed on Monday, supported by a weak U.S. dollar, as markets awaited Donald Trump's return to the White House and his inauguration speech later in the day for hints on the impact of his upcoming policies on the economy and rate-cut outlook.

While gold is traditionally viewed as an inflation hedge, Trump’s policies are seen as inflationary which could lead the Federal Reserve to maintain higher interest rates, affecting gold’s appeal.

Gold prices were pressured by an uptick in the U.S. dollar on Friday, but remained on track for a weekly gain as uncertainties around incoming President Donald Trump's policies and renewed bets of further rate cuts lifted bullion above the key $2,