|

Gold: Why gold was sold off so massively?

Gold

Conventional wisdom cannot explain why gold was sold off so massively on Friday. The explanation seems to have been more behind a capitulation of selling across assets as portfolios were struck by margin calls. Gold closed -3.5% lower on Friday (-$57) in a move that effectively rebounded off the 50% Fibonacci retracement (of $1445/$1688) at $1567. We have been advocates of buying gold into weakness and whilst this corrective move has gone beyond our expectation of an unwind from the February rally, we now see this move as being a real buying opportunity. The positive reaction today on gold is encouraging for support levels and close back above $1591 (old breakout) and the 38.2% Fib (at $1595) would be an encouraging sign. Momentum indicators have been unwinding from their bullish positioning are still with the unwind, but RSI is around 50 so the bulls at least have renewed upside potential to factor now. The hourly chart is beginning to show more positive indication this morning, but the bulls need to build on this move and hold the initial support $1579/$1590. Furthermore, the hourly RSI needs to move into the 60s to suggest recovery momentum is more than a bull trap this morning. Closing back above $1611 would suggest the bulls back on track.

XAUUSD

Author

Richard Perry

Richard Perry

Independent Analyst

More from Richard Perry
Share:

Markets move fast. We move first.

Orange Juice Newsletter brings you expert driven insights - not headlines. Every day on your inbox.

By subscribing you agree to our Terms and conditions.

Editor's Picks

EUR/USD trims losses and returns to the 1.1750 area

The US Dollar resumed its decline in the American afternoon, helping EUR/USD trim early losses. The pair trades around 1.1750 as market participants gear up for the European Central Bank monetary policy decision and the United States Consumer Price Index.

GBP/USD consolidates above mid-1.3300s as traders await BoE and US CPI report

The GBP/USD pair struggles to capitalize on the overnight bounce from the 1.3310 area, or a one-week low, and oscillates in a narrow band during the Asian session on Thursday. Spot prices currently trade around the 1.3370 region, down less than 0.10% for the day, as traders opt to wait on the sidelines ahead of the key central bank event risk and US consumer inflation data.

Gold declines on profit-taking, USD strength ahead of US CPI release

Gold price edges lower below $4,350 during the Asian trading hours on Thursday. The precious metal retreats from seven-week highs amid some profit-taking and a rebound in the US Dollar (USD). The potential downside for the yellow metal might be limited after the recent US jobs data reinforce market expectations of further interest rate cuts by the US Federal Reserve and drag the USD lower. 

Top Crypto Losers: Pump.fun, SPX6900, Bittensor slide further with double-digit losses

Pump.fun, SPX6900, and Bittensor are leading the losses in the cryptocurrency market over the last 24 hours amid total liquidations of over $500 million. The retail segment alleges institutional manipulation amid an early-morning Bitcoin sell-off routine in the US market.

Monetary policy: Three central banks, three decisions, the same caution

While the Fed eased its monetary policy on 10 December for the third consecutive FOMC meeting, without making any guarantees about future action, the BoE, the ECB and the BoJ are holding their respective meetings this week. 

Crypto Today: Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP slide further as risk-off sentiment deepens

Bitcoin faces extended pressure as institutional investors reduce their risk exposure. Ethereum’s upside capped at $3,000, weighed down by ETF outflows and bearish signals. XRP slides toward November’s support at $1.82 despite mild ETF inflows.