Gold prices have stabilized around $2170.00 per troy ounce after two days of decline. Investors are taking a pause ahead of an important US inflation indicator report due this week, which could provide insights into the future direction of the Federal Reserve's monetary policy.
The Core PCE index data, an inflation measure closely watched by the Federal Reserve, will be released this Friday. This week, several Federal Reserve officials, including Chair Jerome Powell, will speak at various events, potentially influencing market reactions. Additionally, most markets in Catholic countries will be closed on Good Friday at the week's end, possibly delaying market reactions.
Strategically, gold has gained solid support after the Federal Reserve's March meeting outlined three interest rate cuts for the current year. Support also came from the Swiss National Bank, which unexpectedly reduced its lending rate, sparking discussions that other major central banks might ease monetary policy sooner than expected - even before the Fed. For gold, this is a positive signal: lower interest rates reduce the opportunity cost of holding bullion.
The probability of the Fed starting to cut rates in June is estimated at 74%.
COMEX data shows that net long positions in gold have decreased by 2,093 contracts to 157,467 contracts, which is not critical for the precious metal's trend.
Technical analysis of XAU/USD
On the H4 chart, XAU/USD reached a local target of 2222.77. A correction to the level of 2157.05 has been executed today. Currently, the market is forming a consolidation range around 2168.40. A downward breakout is expected, followed by a continuation of the correction to 2114.60. After completing this correction, a growth wave to 2251.33 is anticipated. This scenario is supported by the MACD indicator, with its signal line above zero and sharply directed downwards.
On the H1 chart, XAU/USD has formed a consolidation range around 2168.40. An upward exit from this range could lead to a correction towards 2188.77. After reaching this level, a decline to 2146.66 will be considered, followed by the possibility of rising back to 2168.40 (testing from below) and then a decline to 2114.60. This scenario is confirmed by the Stochastic oscillator, with its signal line below 80 and heading straight down to 20.
Before you enter foreign exchange and stock markets, you have to remember that trading currencies and other investment products is trading in nature and always involves a considerable risk. As a result of various financial fluctuations, you may not only significantly increase your capital, but also lose it completely. Therefore, our clients have to assure RoboForex that they understand all the possible consequences of such risks, they know all the specifics, rules and regulations governing the use of investment products, including corporate events, resulting in the change of underlying assets. Client understands that there are special risks and features that affect prices, exchange rates and investment products.
Recommended Content
Editors’ Picks
EUR/USD extends sideways grind below 1.0900
EUR/USD stays in a consolidation phase below 1.0900 following the previous week's rally. In the absence of high-tier data releases, the US Dollar stays resilient against its rivals as investors scrutinize comments from central bank officials.
Gold pulls away from record highs, holds above $2,400
Gold rose sharply at the beginning of the week on escalating geopolitical tensions and touched a new all-time high of $2,450. With market mood improving modestly, XAU/USD erases a majority of its daily gains but manages to hold above $2,400.
GBP/USD holds steady near 1.2700, Fedspeak in focus
GBP/USD fluctuates in a narrow channel near 1.2700 on the first trading day of the week. The cautious market stance helps the US Dollar hold its ground, while market participants assess remarks from central bank officials ahead of this week's key events.
Ripple stays above $0.50 on Monday as firm backs research on blockchain and quantum computing
XRP price holds steady above the $0.50 key support level and edges higher on Monday, trading at 0.5130 and rising 0.70% in the day at the time of writing.
Week ahead: Nvidia results and UK CPI falling back to target
What a week for investors. The Dow Jones reached a record high and closed last week above 40,000, for the first time ever. This is a major bullish signal even though gains for global stocks were fairly modest on Friday, and European stocks closed lower.