Gold prices (XAU/USD) continued their upward climb on Wednesday, reaching a record high near $2,785 as investors flocked to safe-haven assets amidst U.S. election concerns and persistent Middle East tensions.
This surge in demand for gold reflects a broader shift as geopolitical risks amplify, though its momentum faces headwinds from a strong U.S. dollar and resilient economic indicators.
Alongside global concerns, a slight decrease in U.S. Treasury yields has supported gold’s ascent. Yields on U.S. bonds, though high, have dipped marginally, drawing investors towards non-yielding assets like gold.
The Federal Reserve’s cautious approach, with expectations of limited rate cuts, is also keeping the dollar strong, adding a layer of complexity to gold’s movement.
According to recent Fed projections, smaller rate cuts may become a focal point amid a stable U.S. economy. However, this strength limits gold’s upside potential, particularly as the precious metal shows signs of overbought conditions on the daily charts.
“The safe-haven demand for gold persists, but the stronger dollar and robust economic data are capping gains,” noted an analyst at PVM Oil Associates.
Recent data underscore the strength of the U.S. economy, reinforcing the dollar’s appeal. October’s Consumer Confidence Index from the Conference Board surged to 108.7, marking the largest single-month increase since early 2021.
This reflects optimism around business conditions, despite job openings reaching a three-year low.
Traders are now closely monitoring Wednesday’s ADP report on private-sector employment and Q3 GDP growth, projected at a solid 3%.
Investors are awaiting several pivotal data releases this week, which could impact gold’s trajectory. Thursday will bring the Fed’s preferred inflation gauge, the PCE Price Index, followed by Friday’s Nonfarm Payrolls (NFP) report.
Analysts note that rising consumer confidence and continued Fed rate stability could reduce gold’s appeal, especially if the U.S. economic data further underscores a steady economic outlook.
Amid these factors, the price of gold remains buoyed by safe-haven demand, though the impact of strong U.S. economic fundamentals and a resilient dollar may temper the metal’s long-term gains.
Gold’s upward momentum remains strong above $2777.84, targeting resistance at $2791.56. However, a dip below this pivot could prompt a short-term correction toward $2769.
Gold is trading at $2785.34, up 0.39% and showing strong momentum above its pivot at $2777.84. The recent break from a symmetrical triangle pattern has fueled a solid uptrend, with immediate resistance ahead at $2791.56 and further targets at $2803.33 and $2815.58.
The 50-day EMA at $2749.20 provides additional support, reinforcing the upward bias. However, if gold dips below the pivot, a sharper selling trend could take hold, targeting support levels at $2769.51 and $2757.99.
With technical indicators favoring the bulls, holding above $2777.84 is key to sustaining this upward push and testing higher resistance.
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.