Abstract:Gold prices are buoyed by weak U.S. economic data, reduced Fed rate hike expectations, and ongoing geopolitical tensions. The precious metal is set for its third consecutive quarterly gain, with upcoming U.S. inflation data being closely monitored.
XAU/USD 4H Chart
Key Support Level: $2,296
Key Resistance Level: $2,365
Gold prices have been buoyed by weak U.S. economic data, leading to reduced expectations for aggressive Federal Reserve rate hikes, which in turn has provided support for the precious metal as investors seek safe-haven assets. The recent rise in gold futures highlights this trend, reflecting concerns about the pace of U.S. economic recovery and potential slowing economic activity.
Bullish sentiment among traders is also contributing to the upward momentum, as highlighted by the increased positioning for potential gains in precious metals like gold and silver. This sentiment is driven by ongoing geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainties, which continue to elevate the demand for safe-haven assets.
Furthermore, gold is set for its third consecutive quarterly gain, supported by expectations of steady U.S. interest rates. Market participants are closely monitoring the upcoming U.S. inflation data, which is anticipated to provide further insights into the Federal Reserve's policy direction. Despite a recent slight decline in gold prices as the market awaits this key inflation data, the overall support for gold remains strong due to broader economic concerns and inflationary pressures.
Overall Sentiment: Bullish, driven by weak U.S. economic data, steady interest rate expectations, and geopolitical tensions.
Key Influences:
- Weak U.S. economic data reduces rate hike expectations, supporting gold.
- Bullish trader sentiment and geopolitical uncertainties drive demand for safe-haven assets.
- Upcoming U.S. inflation data introduces potential volatility but supports gold in the broader context of economic concerns.
Potential Movement:
XAU/USD is likely to remain supported with potential upside movement, contingent on the U.S. inflation data outcome and broader economic trends.
Important Economic Calendar Events for the USA
1. Core PCE Price Index (MoM) (May) – June 28, 2024: A key inflation metric closely watched by the Federal Reserve.
2. Personal Income (MoM) (May) – June 28, 2024: An indicator of consumer financial health and spending potential.
3. Personal Spending (MoM) (May) – June 28, 2024: Reflects consumer expenditure trends, crucial for economic growth.
4. Pending Home Sales (MoM) (May) – June 28, 2024: An indicator of future housing market activity.
5. Michigan Consumer Sentiment (June) – June 28, 2024: Measures consumer confidence, which affects spending behavior.
6. Chicago PMI (June) – June 28, 2024: An indicator of economic activity in the manufacturing sector.
7. U.S. Non-Farm Payrolls (NFP) – July 5, 2024: A crucial indicator of economic health, with significant impact on the USD and gold prices.
JPY strengthened against the USD, pushing USD/JPY near 145.00, driven by strong inflation data and BoJ rate hike expectations. Japan's strong Q2 GDP growth added support. However, USD gains may be limited by expectations of a Fed rate cut in September.
Gold prices remain above $2,500, near record highs, as investors await the Federal Open Market Committee minutes for confirmation of a potential Fed rate cut in September. The Fed's dovish shift, prioritizing employment over inflation, has weakened the US Dollar, boosting gold. A recent revision showing the US created 818,000 fewer jobs than initially reported also strengthens the case for a rate cut.
USD/JPY holds near 145.50, recovering from 144.95 lows. The Yen strengthens on strong GDP, boosting rate hike expectations for the Bank of Japan. However, gains may be limited by potential US Fed rate cuts in September.
Gold prices remain near record highs, driven by expectations of a US interest rate cut and a weakening US Dollar. Investors are focusing on the upcoming Jackson Hole Symposium, where Fed Chair Jerome Powell's speech will be closely watched for clues on the Fed's stance. Additionally, the release of US manufacturing data (PMIs) is expected to influence gold's direction.