US Economic Slowdown and Geopolitical Tensions Boost Gold
Market sentiments are also influenced by the heightened probability of an imminent rate cut by the Federal Reserve (Fed), amid signs of a US economic slowdown. This expectation keeps US Treasury bond yields low, which in turn limits support for the US Dollar (USD).
Moreover, ongoing geopolitical conflicts in the Middle East continue to support the safe-haven demand for gold. Despite these factors, the upside for XAU/USD remains constrained as traders await the US Nonfarm Payrolls (NFP) report due on Friday.
Data Releases and Treasury Yields Influence Gold Prices
The latest US macroeconomic data continues to suggest an increased likelihood of Federal Reserve rate cuts, placing downward pressure on US Treasury bond yields, which in turn benefits non-yielding gold.
Notably, the ADP Non-Farm Employment Change for May reported a gain of 152K jobs, falling short of the expected 173K and the previous month’s revised 188K. This underperformance hints at a cooling labor market.
Moreover, the ISM Services PMI for May rose to 53.8, surpassing the anticipated 51.0 and marking a significant recovery from the prior month’s 49.4, indicating a potential easing in inflationary pressures.
The Final Services PMI held steady at 54.8, aligning with expectations and confirming a stable expansion in service sector activity.