Markets await US PCE price index, Q3 GDP data this weekPalladium up 3%Oct 23 (Reuters) - Safe-haven gold eased on Monday, hitting pause after jumping to within striking distance of the key $2,000 level in the last session, as traders positioned for further developments on the Middle East conflict and U.S. economic data.Spot gold fell 0.3% to $1,976.19 per ounce by 1:41 p.m. ET (1741 GMT). U.S. gold futures settled 0.3% lower at $1,987.80.Reuters Graphics"Safe-haven demand will continue to drive gold higher after a slight period of consolidation. We believe...