Gold prices experienced a rise on Tuesday and Thursday (sideways on Wednesday), driven by traders' expectations of another interest rate hike by the US Federal Reserve. But is the medium-term downtrend really over?
One fundamental indicator that can help answer this question is the nonfarm payrolls, due to be released this Friday (US time). Any unexpected outcomes could lead to heightened volatility in rate-sensitive assets such as gold.
Market projections indicate that the upcoming nonfarm payrolls report for May will show a slowdown in job additions to the economy, with 190,000 jobs compared to the 253,000 jobs added in April. Interestingly, the forecast for the previous month was also around 190,000 jobs.
The nonfarm payroll data serves as the final key indicator ahead of the release of inflation data on June 14 and the concurrent interest rate decision from the Federal Reserve.
Market sentiment currently suggests a 60% probability of a 25 basis-point interest rate hike during the Federal Reserve's upcoming June meeting, compared to a 26% chance observed a week earlier. If implemented, this would mark the central bank's 11th consecutive rate increase.
Gold was trading around $1,932, reaching its lowest level since March 17 before its incline began on Tuesday. While Thursday was a positive day for the metal, it still retraced about half of its gains on the day and now trades at approximately $1,960. It peaked at $1,974, which is the most immediate resistance level but without much historical precedence. Considering the NFP is still two days away, this level might become irrelevant.
$1,985 is a level with more medium-term precedence but will have to wait until closer to the release of the data to tell if this level is something that needs to be watched. If gold turns to the downside, it might pay to keep an eye on $1,938 as a support level.
Risk Warning: Trading foreign exchange on margin carries a high level of risk and may not be suitable for all investors. The high degree of leverage can work against you as well as for you. Before deciding to trade foreign exchange, you should carefully consider your investment objectives, level of experience, and risk appetite. The possibility exists that you could sustain a loss of some or all of your initial investment and, therefore, you should not invest money you cannot afford to lose. You should make yourself aware of all the risks associated with foreign exchange trading and seek advice from an independent financial adviser if you have any questions or concerns as to how a loss would affect your lifestyle.
Recommended Content
Editors’ Picks
EUR/USD eases below 1.0850 on renewed USD strength
EUR/USD stays under pressure and trades in the red below 1.0850 in the European session. Although the ZEW survey for Germany and the Eurozone showed a noticeable improvement in economic sentiment, broad USD strength doesn't allow the pair to gain traction.
GBP/USD drops below 1.2700 on notable US Dollar demand
GBP/USD is extending the downside below 1.2700 in the European trading hours on Tuesday. The ongoing bullish momentum in the US Dollar, despite sluggish US Treasury bond yields, undermines the pair. Mid-tier US housing data are coming up next.
Gold price struggles to lure buyers, holds steady above one-week low ahead of FOMC meeting
Gold price ticks lower amid reduced Fed rate cut bets, elevated US bond yields and stronger USD. Geopolitical tensions could lend some support to the safe-haven XAU/USD and help limit losses.
Why is the crypto market crashing?
The two most important contribution to the ongoing bull market is the meteoric rise in Bitcoin due to the ETF approval and the sudden interest spike in Solana ecosystem. But the recent move suggests that the upward momentum is dissipating and a correction looms.
Canada CPI Preview: Inflation pickup could scale back bets on early interest-rate cut
The Canadian Consumer Price Index is expected to have risen by 3.1% YoY in February. The BoC shows no rush to lower its interest rate. The Canadian Dollar maintains its multi-day lows against the US Dollar around 1.3540.