* World stocks slip after biggest weekly drop since June

* Fed set to trim monetary easing programme further -analysts

* Chinese gold imports hit record in 2013 (Updates prices)

Gold prices eased on Monday, retreating from the 10-week highs they hit overnight on the back of weakness in global stocks, as traders cashed in gains in the metal ahead of a key Federal Reserve meeting this week.

Expectations that the Fed could trim monetary stimulus further from the $10 billion-a-month reduction to its bond-buying programme late last year sreved to lift the dollar, while safe-haven currencies such as the yen were in demand as a sell-off in emerging marketscontinued.

Spot gold was at $1,263.60 an ounce by 1239 GMT, down 0.4 percent, having hit its highest since mid-November overnight at $1,278.01 an ounce. U.S. gold futures for February delivery were down 60 cents an ounce at $1,263.70.

…more Reuters Stats HERE