Jobless claims unexpectedly fell last week
Fed concerned about risks of cutting rates too soon, minutes show
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Feb 22 Reuters Gold prices fell from a near twoweek high on Thursday, driven by a firm U.S. dollar after jobless claims data indicated a strong economy, while investors awaited further economic data for guidance on the U.S. Federal Reserve39;s interest rate stance.

Spot gold lost 0.1 to 2,024.01 an ounce by 1056 a.m. ET 1556 GMT, after hitting its highest since Feb. 9 of 2034.69 earlier in the session. U.S. gold futures was steady at 2,033.50.

We see gold stay at these levels and there is more downside risks to gold in the short term than upside if we get more positive data on the U.S. economy and if inflation doesn39;t continue to ease, said Chris Gaffney, president of world markets at EverBank.

The dollar gained 0.1 after data showed the number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits unexpectedly fell last week, suggesting that job growth likely remained solid in February.

A stronger dollar makes bullion expensive for other currency holders.

Minutes of the Fed39;s latest policy meeting released on Wednesday showed that a majority of the central bank39;s policymakers are concerned about the risks of cutting interest rates too soon.

Lower interest rates boost the appeal of holding nonyielding gold, with markets pricing in about a 66 chance of a June rate cut, as per the CME…