Gold prices drop amid market optimism and strengthening dollar.

Gold and silver prices are down due to strong profit-taking pressure and weak long liquidation from futures traders. Global stock markets are mostly higher, and risk appetite is keener, which is negative for safe-haven metals. Geopolitics is moving closer to the front burner of the marketplace as Russia threatens to station tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus, North Korea test-fires more ballistic missiles, and the US retaliates with air strikes in Syria. U.S. economic data is due for release this week, including Friday’s much-anticipated personal consumption and expenditures data that will provide fresh clues on whether the US economy is headed toward recession.