Markets remained focused on US consumer prices data later in the session for signals of timing for a potential Federal Reserve rate hike. Consumer prices are expected to edge up 0.1 per cent in July after falling 0.4 per cent in June, according to a Reuters poll. Annual CPI inflation is forecast to slow to 3.4 per cent from 3.5 per cent a month earlier. The dollar index, which measures the currency against a basket of currencies, rose less than 0.1 per cent to 99.86. Spot gold rose one per cent to $US4,409 an ounce, while spot silver rose two per cent to $US66.04 an ounce.