(Kitco News) – Gold prices closed sharply lower and hit a two-week low Thursday, in the aftermath of an FOMC statement that is being read as more hawkish than dovish. A higher U.S. dollar index on this day also helped to pressure the precious metals. Thursday saw the biggest one-day drop in gold and silver prices in months. February Comex gold was last down $30.60 at $1,255.30 an ounce. Spot gold was last down $27.20 at $1,256.60. March Comex silver last traded down $1.243 at $16.845 an ounce.
