"Following a very strong start, gold has had a disappointing year for the most part, as it printed red for 2018," note TD Securities analysts.
Key quotes
"Although equity market weakness and a recent Fed shift toward a more dovish and pragmatic stance has provided a short covering boost, the same factors that have weighed on the yellow metal for much of the year will also serve as an impediment to prices breaking out above $1,300 in the early part of 2019. We expect choppy range-bound trading in the near-term, as the greenback remains relatively firm, Fed monetary policy continues to be ambiguous and China/EM economic and currency risks continue to manifest — a US-China trade deal will take time to negotiate and Chinese stimulus is unlikely to take hold until later in 2019.
"From our vantage point, much of the poor performance across the precious metals space has been sentiment and capital flow driven. This is a trend which is unlikely to be materially reversed in the near-term, now that US equity markets have caught a bid and data such as the December payrolls continue to beat expectations. But, as markets become convinced that the tightening cycle is done, a weaker USD and a materially slower US growth profile will once again raise equity correction risks in the latter half of 2019, prompting the yellow and white metals to jump higher again."
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 stays below 1.0900 as Q1 comes to an end

EUR/USD has lost its traction and declined below 1.0900 in the American session on Friday. Quarter-end flows seem to be allowing the US Dollar find some demand but the risk-positive market environment seems to be limiting the pair's downside ahead of the weekend.
GBP/USD trades below 1.2400, looks to post weekly gains

GBP/USD has edged lower after having tested 1.2400 earlier in the day but remains on track to end the third straight week in positive territory. The upbeat mood remains intact after soft PCE inflation data from the US, making it difficult for the US Dollar to continue to gather strength.
Gold tries to stabilize near $1,980 following earlier spike

Gold price has returned to the $1,980 area following a spike above $1,987 with the initial reaction to lower-than-expected PCE inflation figures from the US. Meanwhile, the benchmark 10-year US Treasury bond yield stays in the red near 3.5%, providing support to XAU/USD.
Will Dogecoin price pull an XRP and rally 60% next week?

Dogecoin price has been in a tight range bound movement since November 22. The recent recovery above the range low looks promising and hints at an explosive move for next week.
Week ahead – Nonfarm payrolls to set the tone for US dollar

With the banking turmoil receding, market participants will turn their attention back to economic releases. The spotlight will fall on the US employment report.