Gold prices have been on the rise as investors are becoming more hopeful that the Federal Reserve will lower interest rates earlier than expected. The weakening US Dollar has also provided a boost to Gold, as political risks in Europe diminish.
Gold prices are currently trading in the $2,360s, up by more than a third of a percent on the day, fueled by the belief that the Fed will start cutting interest rates as soon as September. Weak economic data from the US, particularly in the labor market and services sector, has led to speculation that interest rates will be lowered to stimulate growth.
The probability of a 0.25% rate cut by the Fed in September has increased to 72%, according to the CME FedWatch tool. Lower interest rates make Gold more attractive as an investment, as it reduces the opportunity cost of holding an asset that doesn’t generate interest.
In addition to potential rate cuts, the US Dollar has weakened due to reduced foreign capital inflows and the strengthening of major counterparts like the Euro and Pound Sterling. Political victories in Europe and decreased political risks have also contributed to the Dollar’s decline, further benefiting Gold prices.
Global demand for Gold remains strong due to various geopolitical and macroeconomic factors such as conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, as well as concerns over the impact of a Trump presidency. The expansion of the BRICS trading bloc and efforts to de-dollarize global trade have also boosted demand for Gold as an alternative to Dollar-denominated assets.
While Gold has reached a resistance level at the June 21 high of $2,368, a break above this level could signal further bullish momentum. However, there is still a possibility of a more complex topping pattern forming, in which case a break below the neckline at $2,279 could lead to a reversal lower with a target at $2,171.
Overall, Gold prices are currently in a sideways trend in the short and medium term, while remaining in an uptrend in the long term. The upcoming Nonfarm Payrolls release, which presents the number of new jobs created in the US, will be a crucial data point in shaping expectations for future interest rate cuts and their impact on Gold prices.
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