Gold prices dipped in early Asian trading as investors assessed statements from US central bank officials indicating that interest rates will remain high given potential inflation and a weak economy. Atlanta Fed President Raphael Bostic announced his inclination to keep interest rates unchanged at the next meeting. Meanwhile, the debt-ceiling debate progresses, with the US Treasury Department anticipating payment of the government’s bills until 1 June without a debt limit increase. Market volatility exacerbates interpretation of the New York Federal Reserve’s plunging May manufacturing activity survey.