Gold prices were steady on Thursday as investors awaited Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's speech at the Jackson Hole symposium on Friday for signals on the central bank's policy direction.

Rates fall ahead of US Fed Chair Jerome Powell's Jackson Hole speech; experts highlight key MCX levels to watch

Federal Reserve chair is under bombardment from Donald Trump and battling an insurgency within the central bank

By Elizabeth Howcroft PARIS (Reuters) -European stock markets fell slightly in early trading on Thursday, hovering just below recent highs, as traders avoided making big moves and waited for the Federal Reserve's three-day annual Jackson Hole symposium.