Looking ahead, traders will closely monitor the US April Core Personal Consumption Expenditures Price Index (Core PCE), expected to show a monthly increase of 0.3% and a year-over-year increase of 2.8%. Higher-than-expected inflation data could support the US dollar and limit the upside potential for silver prices.
US Economic Data and Fed Policy’s Impact on Silver Prices
The US dollar has been losing momentum, edging lower as traders bet on potential Federal Reserve interest rate cuts this year following weaker US GDP data. Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee expressed concern about housing inflation but noted a strong labor market.
Atlanta Fed President Raphael Bostic sees a rate cut in July as unlikely due to slowing inflation, while New York Fed President John Williams is confident inflation will decelerate later this year.
The second estimate of US GDP showed 1.3% annualized growth in Q1, down from the previous 1.6%, but aligning with market expectations. US weekly initial Jobless Claims for the week ending May 25 increased slightly to 219K from 216K, marginally above the consensus of 218K.
The weakening US dollar, combined with concerns over rate cuts and mixed economic data, supports silver prices amid uncertain market sentiment.
Impact of Middle East Geopolitical Tensions on Silver Prices
On the geopolitical front, the long-lasting conflicts in the Middle East, particularly involving Israel and Gaza, were seen as another key factor that kept the silver price higher as investors sought safe-haven assets. Israel’s recent assertion of control over Gaza’s land border with Egypt will likely weaken its relationship with Egypt, adding to regional tensions.