Gold prices eased on Thursday as the U.S. dollar and bond yields ticked higher after comments from a Federal Reserve official on interest rate cuts, while investors looked forward to more economic data for policy clues. Spot gold was down 0.2% at $2,189.29 per ounce. U.S. gold futures edged 0.1% lower to $2,188.30 per ounce. Fed Governor Christopher Waller said on Wednesday recent disappointing inflation data affirms the case for the U.S. central bank holding off on cutting its short-term interest rate target. The dollar was up 0.1% against its rivals, making gold more expensive for other currency holder, while yields on 10-year Treasury notes also rose. Investors now look forward to the U.S. core personal consumption expenditure (PCE) price index report due on Friday to gauge when the Fed may begin cutting interest rates. The PCE price index was seen rising 0.3% in February, which would keep the annual pace at 2.8%. Also on investor radar is the weekly U.S. initial jobless claims report due later in day. Traders are pricing in a 62% probability that the Fed will begin cutting rates in June, down from a 70% chance seen on Wednesday, according to the CME Group's FedWatch Tool. Lower interest rates reduce the opportunity cost of holding bullion. India's gold imports are set to plunge by more than 90% in March from the previous month to hit the lowest level since the COVID pandemic, as banks cut imports after record-high prices hit demand.