Platinum prices fell nearly one percent in Asian trade off August 19 highs as the dollar index climbed from April 2018 lows, ahead of US data later today.

As of 05:52 GMT, platinum prices fell 0.86% to $,938.64, while the dollar index rose 0.16% to 92.36.

From the US, private sector employment is expected up 1.25 million in August, compared to a 167K addition in July, while factory orders are expected up 6% in July.

Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland President Loretta Mester will speak about the US economic outlook and monetary policy at the National Association for Business Economics seminar, via satellite.

White House chief medical adviser Anthony Fauci said there could be a Covid 19 vaccine sooner than expected, with initial results proving very promising.