Gold prices steadied in the $2,660s on Thursday after facing a sharp 3.0% decline following Donald Trump’s victory in the US presidential election. The fall was driven by a stronger US Dollar, investors moving towards riskier assets, and the potential unwinding of geopolitical risks.
With Trump securing the presidency by passing the 270 electoral votes threshold, Gold faced a downward trend as the USD strengthened due to his Dollar-positive economic agenda and preference for pro-tariff protectionism. The Republican party also gained a majority in the US Senate and was leading in the US Congress, prompting investors to shift towards alternative assets like Bitcoin and stocks.
Traditionally, Gold rises during geopolitical crises and wars due to increased safe-haven demand. However, Trump’s claims about resolving conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine possibly deterred safe-haven flows into Gold. Technically, XAU/USD entered a short-term downtrend with the price falling below $2,700. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) indicator showed oversold conditions, suggesting caution for short sellers.
Gold has historical significance as a store of value and medium of exchange, currently serving as a safe-haven asset during turbulent times. Central banks are significant holders of Gold, with high reserves indicating a country’s solvency during economic uncertainty. Gold has an inverse correlation with the US Dollar and US Treasuries, making it a popular asset for diversification during market volatility.
The price of Gold can be influenced by various factors such as geopolitical instability, economic recession fears, and interest rate movements. As a yield-less asset, Gold tends to rise with lower interest rates and a weaker Dollar, while a strong Dollar can keep its price in check. Ultimately, Gold’s price movements are closely tied to the performance of the US Dollar, as it is mainly priced and traded in USD.
In conclusion, Gold’s recent decline was driven by a combination of factors including Trump’s victory, a stronger Dollar, and investor preferences for riskier assets. Despite short-term bearish signals, the long-term outlook for Gold remains positive as it continues to be a valuable asset for investors seeking stability and diversification in uncertain times.