Gold prices (XAU/USD) climbs to a record high near $2,390 during the early Asian session on Friday.
The market expectation that the US Federal Reserve (Fed) will cut its benchmark interest rate this year is the main driver for the yellow metal. Additionally, the gold purchase by the Chinese central bank and the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East boost safe-haven flows, benefiting the gold price.
Analysts believe the US Fed to maintain its projection of three 25-basis points (bps) rate cuts this year despite concerns over recent higher-than-expected inflation reports.
The People's Bank of China (PBoC) purchased gold for the 17th consecutive month in March, adding 160,000 ounces to its reserves of 72.74 million troy ounces, per Reuters. Chinese investors have shifted to gold as an alternative asset despite deteriorates in the property sector and equities prices in recent years.
Furthermore, the rising geopolitical risks also boost safe-haven assets like gold price. According to the US and its allies, there is a higher possibility of drone or missile strikes by Iran or any of its proxy groups on government and military infrastructure targets in Israel.
Gold FAQs
Gold has played a key role in human’s history as it has been widely used as a store of value and medium of exchange. Currently, apart from its shine and usage for jewelry, the precious metal is widely seen as a safe-haven asset, meaning that it is considered a good investment during turbulent times. Gold is also widely seen as a hedge against inflation and against depreciating currencies as it doesn’t rely on any specific issuer or government.
Central banks are the biggest Gold holders. In their aim to support their currencies in turbulent times, central banks tend to diversify their reserves and buy Gold to improve the perceived strength of the economy and the currency. High Gold reserves can be a source of trust for a country’s solvency. Central banks added 1,136 tonnes of Gold worth around $70 billion to their reserves in 2022, according to data from the World Gold Council. This is the highest yearly purchase since records began. Central banks from emerging economies such as China, India and Turkey are quickly increasing their Gold reserves.
Gold has an inverse correlation with the US Dollar and US Treasuries, which are both major reserve and safe-haven assets. When the Dollar depreciates, Gold tends to rise, enabling investors and central banks to diversify their assets in turbulent times. Gold is also inversely correlated with risk assets. A rally in the stock market tends to weaken Gold price, while sell-offs in riskier markets tend to favor the precious metal.
The price can move due to a wide range of factors. Geopolitical instability or fears of a deep recession can quickly make Gold price escalate due to its safe-haven status. As a yield-less asset, Gold tends to rise with lower interest rates, while higher cost of money usually weighs down on the yellow metal. Still, most moves depend on how the US Dollar (USD) behaves as the asset is priced in dollars (XAU/USD). A strong Dollar tends to keep the price of Gold controlled, whereas a weaker Dollar is likely to push Gold prices up.
Information on these pages contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Markets and instruments profiled on this page are for informational purposes only and should not in any way come across as a recommendation to buy or sell in these assets. You should do your own thorough research before making any investment decisions. FXStreet does not in any way guarantee that this information is free from mistakes, errors, or material misstatements. It also does not guarantee that this information is of a timely nature. Investing in Open Markets involves a great deal of risk, including the loss of all or a portion of your investment, as well as emotional distress. All risks, losses and costs associated with investing, including total loss of principal, are your responsibility. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of FXStreet nor its advertisers. The author will not be held responsible for information that is found at the end of links posted on this page.
If not otherwise explicitly mentioned in the body of the article, at the time of writing, the author has no position in any stock mentioned in this article and no business relationship with any company mentioned. The author has not received compensation for writing this article, other than from FXStreet.
FXStreet and the author do not provide personalized recommendations. The author makes no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of this information. FXStreet and the author will not be liable for any errors, omissions or any losses, injuries or damages arising from this information and its display or use. Errors and omissions excepted.
The author and FXStreet are not registered investment advisors and nothing in this article is intended to be investment advice.
Recommended content
Editors’ Picks
EUR/USD declines toward 1.0850 after US data
EUR/USD extends its downward correction toward 1.0850 in the American session. The US Department of Labor reported that there were 222,000 first-time application for unemployment benefits last week, helping the USD hold its ground and causing the pair to stretch lower.
GBP/USD corrects to 1.2650 area on modest USD recovery
After touching its highest level in over a month at 1.2700, GBP/USD reversed its direction and declined toward 1.2650 on Thursday. The modest USD rebound seen following Wednesday's sharp decline makes it difficult for the pair to regain its traction.
Gold finds resistance near $2,400, retreats below $2,380
Gold advanced toward $2,400 on Wednesday as US Treasury bond yields pushed lower following the April inflation data. The recovery in US yields combined with the US Dollar's resilience after Jobless Claims data, however, causes XAU/USD to retreat toward $2,370 on Thursday.
Is the crypto bull run back? Premium
Bitcoin’s ascent to $65,000 seems to have breathed hope into the choppy crypto markets. Some altcoins have shot up 10% to 20% due to BTC’s comeback. Investors wonder if this is the resumption of the crypto bull run.
BRICS, the West and the rest – global trade hubs and de-dollarization
World trade is fragmenting into opposing blocks, warns the IMF. The BRICS and their allies are distancing themselves from the West. BRICS are attempting to de-dollarize and replace SWIFT to circumvent the threat of sanctions.