New Delhi, Dec. 18 -- Gold prices eased in Thursday's session, December 18, after a 5-day rally as investors shifted their focus back towards risky assets after data showed a lower-than-expected rise in US inflation, reinforcing bets that the US Federal Reserve could continue its loose monetary policy in its upcoming meeting.

Though falling rates could also benefit the bullion, the recent run-up in the metal appears to have prompted investors to lock in gains and bring AI-related trade back into focus.

The February futures contract on MCX opened slightly lower at Rs.1,34,736 per 10 grams, compared to the previous close of Rs.1,34,894, but pressure built up, causing it to drop to Rs.1,33,728, a decline of Rs.1,166.

Meanwhile, silver pri...