|

Gold Price Forecast: XAU/USD finds support on a weaker USD, high inflation negates downside risks – ANZ

The inverse correlation between gold and the US 10-year yield has broken down. A weaker US dollar is providing support, while higher inflation is negating downside risk of aggressive rate hikes, strategists at ANZ Bank report.

Gold ETF flows are recovering

“Rising geopolitical tensions are outweighing rising yields. Stronger than expected inflation is another key support, which is keeping the US dollar on a weaker footing and mitigating the chances of an aggressive rate hikes.”

“Investment demand is improving, with ETF holdings of gold up by 64t year-to-date. This follows a net liquidation of 300t in 2021. Investors are also adding fresh long positions in gold. Lean speculative positions leave room for a build-up of fresh longs and limited liquidation risk.”

“Physical gold demand in China was strong during the Lunar New Year holidays, as reflected in the gold spot premium. China imported nearly 818t of gold in 2021, and January imports are strong due to festive demand.”

Author

FXStreet Insights Team

The FXStreet Insights Team is a group of journalists that handpicks selected market observations published by renowned experts. The content includes notes by commercial as well as additional insights by internal and external analysts.

More from FXStreet Insights Team
Share:

Editor's Picks

GBP/USD extends the drop to 1.3360

GBP/USD builds on Monday’s decline and briefly clinches five-day lows near 1.3360 on Tuesday. Cable’s extra pullback follows the better tone in the Greenback as uncertainty in the Middle East prompts investors to adopt a cautious stance. Meanwhile, an apathetic UK labour market report also collaborates with the selling pressure on the British Pound.

EUR/USD holds gains above 1.1400 on hawkish ECB expectations despite US-Iran tensions

The EUR/USD pair trades with mild gains around 1.1405 during the early Asian session on Wednesday. A hawkish tone from the European Central Bank provides some support to the Euro against the US Dollar. Traders await the upcoming ECB interest rate decision on Thursday. 

Gold hits one-week high, near $4,100 as bulls shrug off Fed hike bets and firmer USD

Gold advances to an over one-week high during the Asian session on Wednesday, with bulls now awaiting a move beyond $4,100 before positioning for additional gains. However, concerns about energy-driven inflation risks continue to fuel Fed rate-hike bets and act as a tailwind for the US Dollar amid escalating US-Iran tensions, which, in turn, could cap the bullion.

XRP rebounds on rising on-chain activity
Ripple (XRP) ticks up and trades around $1.13 at the time of writing on Tuesday. This rebound aligns with a broader recovery in the cryptocurrency market, attributed to reports that mediators between the United States (US) and Iran are seeking a 10-day cessation of strikes to find a way back to the signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
The Iranian war has again risen
The Iranian war has again risen to the top of the economics factor list. There is no end in sight. Intelligence experts say the current level of offense/retaliation will not change minds in Tehran, while in Washington, Trump fears all-out war, which would mean boots on the ground.
US Dollar mid-year outlook: Exceptional currency, exceptional risks?
The US Dollar enters the second half of 2026 in a markedly different position from a year ago. The King currency has recovered, reflecting persistent US inflation, changing expectations for Fed policy, geopolitical tensions and renewed demand for defensive assets.