Fed’s Hawkish Stance and Economic Indicators
Recent comments from Fed policymakers indicate a preference for maintaining higher interest rates in the near term. Fed Governor Michelle Bowman expressed a readiness to raise borrowing costs if inflation progress stalls, while Fed Governor Lisa Cook suggested that rate cuts might be appropriate eventually but emphasized the need for caution if inflation expectations rise.
The persistent strength in the US economy supports this outlook, driving US Treasury yields higher and capping gold’s potential gains.
“We are not yet at the point where it is appropriate to cut rates,” Bowman stated, reinforcing the Fed’s commitment to controlling inflation.
Inflation and Geopolitical Tensions Provide Some Support
Despite the Fed’s hawkish stance, weaker consumer and producer prices for May keep the possibility of a September rate cut on the table. Additionally, geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict lend some support to gold as a safe-haven asset.
The US Consumer Confidence Index dropped to 100.4 in June from 101.3 in May, indicating concerns about the economic outlook. This follows recent soft retail sales data and signs of moderating inflation, which sustain hopes for a rate cut later this year.
Market Awaits Key Economic Data
Traders are now looking ahead to significant US economic data releases for further direction. The final Q1 GDP print is due on Thursday, followed by the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) Price Index on Friday.
