Gold prices held steady on Wednesday as investors braced for a monthly US payrolls report that could influence how swiftly and deeply the Federal Reserve cuts interest rates this year.Spot gold held its ground at $2,493.34 per ounce, after hitting its lowest level in more than a week on Tuesday. US gold futures were nearly unchanged at $2,524.80.So far this year, gold has gained 21%, hitting an all-time high of $2,531.60 on Aug. 20, driven by US rate cut bets and the Middle East concerns.Spot silver fell 0.4% to $27.94 per ounce, platinum gained 0.2% to $904.65, and palladium was flat at $938.57.Source: Qatar News Agency