Despite the potential headwind of a December rate cut, gold remains bolstered by its appeal as a hedge against volatility.
Investors are closely watching U.S. jobless claims, expected to rise to 220,000 from 217,000, with data scheduled for release at 2:30 PM GMT. The Philly Fed Manufacturing Index, forecasted at 7.4, signals a continued slowdown in economic activity, while existing home sales are projected to climb slightly to 3.95 million units from 3.84 million.
Federal Reserve policymakers have offered contrasting views on inflation and interest rates, keeping market participants on edge. One Fed governor cautioned about persistent inflation risks, while another pointed to progress in managing price pressures.
The CME FedWatch Tool indicates a 56% likelihood of a 25-basis-point rate cut in December. While such a move could limit gold’s short-term gains, the broader outlook remains positive.
SPDR Gold Trust, the largest gold-backed exchange-traded fund, reported a 0.36% increase in holdings to 875.39 metric tons on Wednesday, signaling robust institutional demand.
Analysts suggest that while immediate gains may be influenced by the Fed’s rate decisions, gold’s resilience amid global uncertainty solidifies its appeal. “The long-term outlook remains favorable, given gold’s role as a store of value in unpredictable economic conditions,” noted Kyle Rodda, a financial analyst.
With a low-interest-rate environment and continued demand, gold prices are likely to maintain their upward trajectory in the near term. Investors remain focused on upcoming data and geopolitical developments to gauge the next market move.
Gold prices are projected to remain bullish short-term, with immediate resistance at $2,680.25. Strong support at $2,652.39 reinforces upward momentum, driven by geopolitical risks and technical strength.
Gold is trading at $2,660.63, up 0.39%, as bullish sentiment strengthens on a 4-hour chart. The price is holding above the pivot point at $2,652.39, signaling continued upward momentum.
Immediate resistance is seen at $2,680.25, with further targets at $2,708.96 and $2,726.69. On the downside, support lies at $2,621.99, followed by $2,595.81.
A bullish crossover between the 50-day EMA ($2,628.57) and the 200-day EMA ($2,653.04) reinforces the buying trend. However, a break below $2,652.39 could trigger sharper selling pressure toward $2,621.99.
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.