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Gold (XAU) Daily Forecast: Bullish Above $2,410; FOMC Minutes In Focus

By:
Arslan Ali
Published: May 22, 2024, 07:00 GMT+00:00

Key Points:

  • Gold prices fell to $2,411 amid concerns over high U.S. interest rates.
  • Fed officials require stronger evidence of declining inflation before supporting rate cuts.
  • High U.S. rates have bolstered the dollar, increasing gold's opportunity cost.
Gold (XAU) Daily Forecast: Bullish Above $2,410; FOMC Minutes In Focus

In this article:

Market Overview

Gold prices have retreated in Asian trade, falling to $2,411 amid ongoing concerns about high U.S. interest rates. The minutes from the Federal Reserve’s late-April meeting, expected later today, are anticipated to provide more insight into future rate movements.

Despite steady rates in the recent meeting, Chair Jerome Powell hinted at potential cuts in 2024. However, this sentiment was not unanimous among Fed officials, with many requiring stronger evidence of declining inflation before supporting rate cuts.

This hawkish stance has bolstered the dollar, increasing the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding assets like gold.

Fed Minutes Awaited for Market Cues

The Federal Reserve’s hawkish tone has exerted downward pressure on gold prices. Members emphasized the need for more convincing inflation data before considering rate cuts, suggesting that high rates may persist. This stance supports the dollar, further weighing on gold prices.

Despite the recent drop, gold’s downside may be cushioned by renewed US-China trade tensions and persistent geopolitical issues in the Middle East, which sustain some demand for the metal as a safe haven.

Geopolitical Tensions and Central Bank Demand

Despite high interest rates, demand from central banks and Asian buyers, along with geopolitical tensions, provides a supportive backdrop for gold.

Traders are closely monitoring the release of the FOMC minutes and speeches from Fed officials, including Fed Governor Christopher Waller and Atlanta Fed President Raphael Bostic, for further clues on rate policies.

US-China Trade Tensions Impact

The U.S. recently announced tariff hikes on a wide range of Chinese goods, while China is considering increasing tariffs on imported cars with large-displacement engines. This trade tension adds another layer of complexity to the economic outlook, potentially affecting market sentiment and influencing gold prices.

Short-Term Forecast

Gold remains bullish above $2410, with potential upward momentum. However, a break below this level may trigger a sharp decline towards $2400.

Gold Prices Forecast: Technical Analysis

Gold - Chart
Gold – Chart

About the Author

Arslan, a webinar speaker and derivatives analyst, has an MBA in Finance and MPhil in Behavioral Finance. He guides financial analysis, trading, and cryptocurrency forecasting. Expert in trading psychology and sentiment.

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