Gold almost always suffers attacks by the bullion banks ahead of...

Gold almost always suffers attacks by the bullion banks ahead of options expiration.
https://www.cmegroup.com/trading/metals/precious/gold.html
Usually some warning signs start to pop up that a larger attack may be coming. Usually exceptionally heavy volume in the futures pre-market. Metals are one of the most heavily manipulated markets on the planet. One has to constantly be on the look out for suppression. The bullion banks are very good at robbing gold bugs.
Bullion Banks want to make as many options as possible expire worthless. If at all possible they would have wanted Gold to close below US 1700 yesterday. They succeeded in keeping it below US 1750. They've trapped Gold in a consolidation box. Ultimately the Banks are not going to be able to stop the rally in Gold. My guess is that Gold will stay in the box for the next week or two and then break out to the upside.

Silver has just put in a Bull flag, which helps the case for Gold.