GOLD SLIDES AS OIL FUELS RATE-HIKE BETS Gold futures fell for a third straight session as rising oil prices increased inflation concerns. Higher oil prices raise energy costs and inflation, increasing the likelihood that the Fed keeps rates higher or raises them further. That pushes bond yields higher and makes non-yielding gold less attractive. Markets now await U.S. economic data and Friday’s jobs report. Gold fell 1.4% to $4,418.50 an ounce.(*Walter Bloomberg)