Gold edged lower early on Monday as the dollar strengthened after hawkish comments from Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen left the door open for a U.S. interest hike as early as next month.

                             FUNDAMENTALS

* Spot gold had dipped 0.33 % to $1,316.46 per ounce at 0120 GMT. The metal closed last week down 1.5 %.

* U.S. gold futures fell 0.48 % to $1,319.60.

* The case for raising U.S. interest rates has strengthened in recent months because of improvements in the labour market and expectations for moderate economic growth, Fed Chair Janet Yellen said on Friday.We are provide all,Agri Commodity Market Tips,nse bse tips, and you can call us on :-9827808090.

* Gold is highly-sensitive to rising U.S. interest rates, which increase the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding bullion while boosting the dollar, in which it is priced.

* The dollar stood tall in Asian trading on Monday, after Yellen's upbeat comments on the U.S. economy.

* The dollar index, which tracks the greenback against a basket of six rivals, was steady at 95.551, not far from Friday's high of 95.594, its loftiest level since Aug. 16.