Gold retreated below $4300 an ounce during intraday activity as the Federal Reserve’s 25-basis-point rate hike and anticipation of a further increase before the year’s conclusion bolstered the rationale for elevated borrowing expenses. The Fed’s central projection for the end-2026 policy rate advanced to 4.1% from 3.8%, while a resilient dollar and increased Treasury yields augmented the opportunity cost of maintaining non-yielding bullion. Ongoing apprehensions regarding oil supply have also amplified inflationary pressures and the likelihood of more restrictive monetary policy. MCX October bullion futures decreased 0.5% to Rs.151,650 per 10 grams.