Gold prices drop amid rising US Dollar and Treasury yields, influenced by the Federal Reserve's rate stance and looming government shutdown concerns.
Gold (XAU/USD) prices are lower on Tuesday as the U.S. dollar and Treasury yields rose, causing investors to eagerly anticipate a pivotal consumer inflation report for indications on prospective Federal Reserve actions regarding interest rates this year. The market is currently hovering around the midpoint of its one-month range, and a noticeable lack of volume may signal concerns for buyers.
At 06:21 GMT, Gold (XAU/USD) is trading $1912.32, down $12.535 or -0.65%. December Comex futures are at $1930.70, down $5.90 or -0.31%.
The dollar has reached a 10-month high, and the 10-year Treasury yields have ascended to a 16-year peak, impacting the value of non-interest-paying bullion, which is denominated in dollars. The strengthened U.S. dollar and higher interest rates diminish the appeal of gold, a non-interest-bearing asset, thus impacting its demand and price stability.
The Federal Reserve’s indication of maintaining higher interest rates for an extended period has caused shifts in investor expectations and market movements. Investors are now factoring in the possibility of another rate hike to be announced in either November or December, based on the recent pronouncements and scheduled meetings of the Federal Reserve this year.
The looming potential of a U.S. government shutdown, scheduled to begin on October 1 if there’s no resolution in the federal budget negotiations, continues to heighten tensions and market instability. Investors are keeping a close watch on various economic indicators and the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation gauge, the personal consumption expenditure price index, as well as upcoming data from the housing sector, to gauge the economic trajectory.
In the short term, unless significant breakthroughs occur in the economic landscape, and prevailing concerns are alleviated, the market sentiment for gold remains bearish. The prospective release of pivotal economic data, and any ensuing policy adjustments by the Federal Reserve, will be critical determinants in shaping investor sentiment and market movements in the coming months.
Gold (XAU/USD) is currently experiencing a modest decline in its 4-hour price, positioned at $1911.80, slightly beneath its recent close of $1914.72. Notably, the precious metal is trading below both its 200-4H and 50-4H moving averages, marked at $1918.60 and $1923.45 respectively, signaling a potential bearish trend.
The 14-4H RSI reading stands at 35.78, indicative of a weakened momentum, verging on the oversold territory.
With a clear Main Support Area between $1893.07 and $1885.79 and a Resistance Area ranging from $1946.99 to $1954.88, the prevailing market sentiment for Gold (XAU/USD) leans bearish in the short term.
James Hyerczyk is a U.S. based seasoned technical analyst and educator with over 40 years of experience in market analysis and trading, specializing in chart patterns and price movement. He is the author of two books on technical analysis and has a background in both futures and stock markets.