Gold Price Forecast: XAU/USD retraces recent losses, rises to near $2,170

Gold price rises to near $2,170 per troy ounce, reclaiming losses from the previous two sessions. The uptick in Gold prices can be attributed to a weaker US Dollar (USD), which is influenced by the dovish sentiment surrounding the Federal Reserve's stance on interest rate trajectory. Market sentiment leans toward the Fed initiating interest rate cuts starting in June, and a softer Greenback has bolstered the appeal of bullion.

During a press conference, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell noted that an unexpected rise in unemployment could lead the central bank to consider lowering interest rates. Powell also reassured markets that the Fed would not hastily respond to consecutive months of elevated inflation figures. Furthermore, Gold prices have been buoyed by recent indications from Fed policymakers that they still anticipate reducing interest rates by three-quarters of a percentage point by the end of 2024, despite recent high inflation readings.

Indeed, the decline in US yields indicates a shift in investor sentiment toward US Treasury bonds, potentially posing a challenge for non-yielding assets like Gold. With the 2-year and 10-year yields on US Treasury bonds holding steady at 4.60% and 4.21%, respectively. Investors may find the relative safety and stability of bonds more attractive compared to Gold.

The upcoming US inflation readings are expected to have a significant impact on the prices of the precious metal. Gold traders will closely monitor the release of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) data for the fourth quarter of 2023 and the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) price index report from the United States (US) during the week, as these indicators can provide insights into inflationary pressures and influence Gold prices accordingly.