Market update: gold prices inch back from Fed-inspired battering, hold above $2000
Gold prices are in the green after two days of big falls; last week’s news of US labor market strength continues to weigh. However, falls have been more limited than other assets.
Gold prices have managed some modest gains on Tuesday, after a punishing few sessions, courtesy of the United States’ labor market and the Federal Reserve.
Last week’s news of astonishing job creation has seen interest-rate-cut bets taken off for March, although a May move remains very much in play. This will hugely benefit the dollar.
The prospect of US borrowing costs remaining higher for longer has taken a clear, obvious toll on gold - in a double whammy for the metal. It suffers once by virtue of being non-yielding; and then again thanks to the fact that so many gold products are priced in US dollars, so more expensive for everyone trying to pay for them with other currencies.
It’s notable, however, that gold has suffered rather less from last week’s play than some other assets (such as sterling). The current broad market scene still offers perceived haven assets like the precious metal plenty of support. After all investors are fretting the prospect of a tougher battle against inflation and a broad spectrum of geopolitical risk from Gaza, the Red Sea, Ukraine, the South China Sea and so on. China’s economic underperformance is also simmering away.
Given all of that, it’s perhaps not too surprising that prices have remained above the important $2000/ounce level, even as the dollar’s strength has brought that level rather closer to the market.We’re heading into a rather quieter period of scheduled economic data, which will leave gold prices in thrall to general market risk appetite and, in all likelihood, whatever coming individual Fed speakers have for the market.
Gold prices technical analysis
Prices are once again testing the bottom of their wide, dominant uptrend channel from mid-November, an extension of the gains made since early October’s lows.
The tell-tale higher highs and higher lows of a ‘pennant’ formation are also visible on the daily chart. As a continuation pattern this ought perhaps to indicate that prices will begin to rise again once it plays out, as they did before, but there’s obviously no guarantee they will.
For now, the uptrend channel offers support at $2030.25 level, with 17 January’s intraday low of 1972.88 lying in wait should that give way. A conclusive break of the uptrend, however, might mean a deeper retracement. Near-term resistance is at 2 February’s top of $2056.96 ahead of trendline resistance at $2063.84.
IG’s own sentiment data on gold is mixed, but, with 64% of traders coming to the metal from the bullish side, enough to suggest that the market is looking for modest gains at current levels.
Gold price daily chart
This information has been prepared by DailyFX, the partner site of IG offering leading forex news and analysis. In addition to the disclaimer below, the material on this page does not contain a record of our trading prices, or an offer of, or solicitation for, a transaction in any financial instrument. IG accepts no responsibility for any use that may be made of these comments and for any consequences that result. No representation or warranty is given as to the accuracy or completeness of this information. Consequently any person acting on it does so entirely at their own risk. Any research provided does not have regard to the specific investment objectives, financial situation and needs of any specific person who may receive it. It has not been prepared in accordance with legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research and as such is considered to be a marketing communication. Although we are not specifically constrained from dealing ahead of our recommendations we do not seek to take advantage of them before they are provided to our clients.
This information has been prepared by IG, a trading name of IG Australia Pty Ltd. In addition to the disclaimer below, the material on this page does not contain a record of our trading prices, or an offer of, or solicitation for, a transaction in any financial instrument. IG accepts no responsibility for any use that may be made of these comments and for any consequences that result. No representation or warranty is given as to the accuracy or completeness of this information. Consequently any person acting on it does so entirely at their own risk. Any research provided does not have regard to the specific investment objectives, financial situation and needs of any specific person who may receive it. It has not been prepared in accordance with legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research and as such is considered to be a marketing communication. Although we are not specifically constrained from dealing ahead of our recommendations we do not seek to take advantage of them before they are provided to our clients.
Speculate on commodities
Trade commodity futures, as well as 27 commodity markets with no fixed expiries.1
- Wide range of popular and niche metals, energies and softs
- Spreads from 0.3 pts on Spot Gold, 2 pts on Spot Silver and 2.8 pts on Oil
- View continuous charting, backdated for up to five years
1In the case of all DFBs, there is a fixed expiry at some point in the future.
Put learning into action
Try out what you’ve learned in this commodities strategy article in your demo account.
Ready to trade commodities?
Put the lessons in this article to use in a live account – upgrading is quick and easy.
- Deal on our wide range of major and niche commodities
- Protect your capital with risk management tools
- Get some of the best spreads on the market – trade Spot Gold from 0.3 points
Inspired to trade?
Put what you’ve learned in this article into practice. Log in to your account now.
Live prices on most popular markets
- Forex
- Shares
- Indices