Gold tumbled over 0.7% on Tuesday to $2,039, but technical analysis suggests that near-term supports should prevent further downside. The dip was caused by rising yields and the dollar and uncertainty over the Federal Reserve’s rate-cutting time frame.
Middle East Conflict Offset by Strengthening Dollar and Uncertain Monetary Policy Path
Gold prices slipped on Tuesday as US Dollar and Treasury Yields climbed higher while investors reconsidered the time frame in which the Federal Reserve may cut interest rates, further adding to the bearish sentiment toward the bullion.
After failing to reattain the weekly high above $2,060, spot gold fell 0.74% to $2,039 per ounce, while gold futures slipped 0.44% to $2,042.
The drop comes days after gold hit a one-week peak as an escalation in the Middle East conflict increased investors’ appetite for safe-haven assets. On Friday, the US and its allies launched attacks on Houthi targets in Yemen, sending oil and gold prices higher.
Gold’s Headwinds and Outlook
Investor sentiment toward gold has cooled partly due to the renewed uncertainty surrounding the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy path in the wake of the latest inflation data.
Notably, the December consumer price index (CPI) report showed that the annual inflation rate climbed 0.3%, following a slight increase of just 0.1% in the month prior. As a result, investors are concerned that Fed policymakers may delay the first policy rate cut, which was initially expected to occur as soon as March.
In truth, the Fed is in no rush to turn dovish. Despite market inclinations, the US CPI is almost double the central bank’s target of 2%. Moreover, labor demand remains robust, and the current odds of a recession are low, despite interest rates still sitting at the highest level in over two decades.
Even with Tuesday’s slip, the current technical perspective on gold stays optimistic. The support from the 50-day simple moving average at $2,020 per ounce and a previous swing high at $2,009 per ounce is expected to deter any additional sell-off, particularly in the short term.
If the precious metal gains momentum, it will likely encounter resistance at $2,043 per ounce, followed by $2,070 per ounce.
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Neither the author, Tim Fries, nor this website, The Tokenist, provide financial advice. Please consult our website policy prior to making financial decisions.
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