* Dollar slides to 4-1/2 month low * Palladium climbs nearly 1% May 25 (Reuters) - Gold steadied near its highest in more than four months on Tuesday, buoyed by a weaker dollar but with gains capped after U.S. Federal Reserve officials soothed fears about inflation. Spot gold had risen 0.12% to $1,883.36 per ounce by 0930 GMT, not far from its highest in 4-1/2 months hit on Wednesday. U.S. gold futures were little changed at $1,884.30. While the macroeconomic background and the weaker dollar is still supportive for bullion, “gold is increasingly starting to show signs that it needs to just consolidate” following a strong rally since April, said Saxo Bank analyst Ole Hansen.