Gold Price Forecast: XAU/USD consolidates near $1,990 amid improved risk appetite

Gold price hovers around $1,990 per troy ounce during the Asian session on Monday, struggling to continue the winning streak. However, the bullion prices improved on expectations that the US Federal Reserve (Fed) may conclude its monetary policy tightening after the subdued employment data from the United States (US).

However, Gold prices could experience downward pressure amidst a heightened risk appetite as investors may cast out the precious metal in favor of more risk-driven assets, driven by the belief that the US Fed may not attempt an interest rate hike in the upcoming December meeting.

US Dollar Index (DXY) took a notable plunge of more than 1.0% on Friday, influenced by lackluster US Treasury yields following disappointing US labor data. As of now, the 10-year US bond yield is at 4.58%, providing a degree of relief for the prices of the yellow metal.

US Bureau of Labor Statistics unveiled the Non-Farm Payrolls (NFP) data for October on Friday, showing a count of 150K. This missed the expected 180K and represented a notable drop from September's 297K. The month-on-month change in Average Hourly Earnings dipped to 0.2%, deviating from the expected steady 0.3%.

Moreover, the US Unemployment Rate climbed to 3.9%, contrary to the market's expectation of holding steady at 3.8% in October. The ISM Services Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) dropped to 51.8 from the previous 53.6. On Thursday, the US Department of Labor released the tally of initial claims for unemployment benefits for the week ending October 27, revealing an increase from 212,000 to 217,000.

Gold saw an uptick in demand as a safe haven amid the Israel-Hamas conflict. However, traders could adjust their stance, anticipating a reduced risk premium as concerns ease about the conflict expanding across the broader Middle East. The evolving situation and efforts by multiple nations to broker a ceasefire will be closely monitored for further market insights.