Silver Price Drops to $36.50 as Fed Uncertainty and Geopolitical Tensions Hike
Silver (XAG/USD) prices dropped to about $36.50 in Friday’s Asian trading, reversing the recent rally despite increasing global risk aversion. The price drop occurs as uncertainty about the leadership of the US Federal Reserve grows, following President Trump’s indications that there could be a replacement of Fed Chair by next year. Also, geopolitical tensions mounted as Iran excluded resuming nuclear negotiations with the US, lowering market mood. Though poor US GDP data underpinned expectations of a dovish Fed, better-than-expected jobless claims and an unexpected jump in durable goods orders provided mixed signals. Investors now look forward to the US PCE inflation report for further policy guidance. KEY LOOKOUTS • Market observers are on guard as President Trump threatens to replace Fed Chair Jerome Powell, which may undermine Fed independence. • Iran’s decision to refuse to restart nuclear talks with the US may increase global tensions and impact safe-haven demand. • A steep Q1 GDP contraction contrasts with good jobless claims and durable goods orders, sending mixed messages regarding the US economic outlook. • Traders look to the coming US PCE numbers for guidance on the direction of future Fed policy and how this will affect precious metals. Silver prices fell to about $36.50 during Friday’s Asian session, weighed down by speculation about the future governance of the US Federal Reserve and increased geopolitical tensions. Market sentiment became wary following President Trump’s criticism of current Fed Chairman Jerome Powell and his hint of a possible announcement of a preferred replacement during September or October, which raised doubts regarding the independence of the Fed. Moreover, Iran’s flat-out refusal to restart nuclear talks with the US also contributed to global uncertainty. As softer US GDP data favored a dovish monetary policy view, positive jobless claims and a robust jump in durable goods orders left investors nervous before the PCE inflation report. Silver prices retreated to close to $36.50 as geopolitical tensions climbed and there was uncertainty regarding future Fed chiefs. Conflicting US economic data fueled market nervousness as investors look to the PCE inflation report for additional policy guidance. • Silver (XAG/USD) drops to about $36.50 following two days of increases. • Market sentiment becomes more bearish following Fed leadership uncertainty as Trump signals Powell replacement. • Fears of the Fed’s independence rise before Trump’s potential announcement by fall. • Iran strongly rejects the revival of nuclear talks with America, adding geopolitical risk. • US Q1 GDP declines by 0.5%, worse than anticipated and supporting dovish expectations. • Unemployed claims drop to a five-week low of 236K, indicating labor market strength. • Durable Goods Orders surge 16.4%, the highest increase in 11 years, easing fears of economic slowdown. Silver prices weakened on Friday even as the overall mood in global markets remained cautious. The fresh uncertainty over the leadership of the US Federal Reserve further weighed on investors’ minds. Comments by President Trump that he might replace existing Fed Chair Jerome Powell have alarmed over the independence and stability of US monetary policy. Markets are awaiting speculation that an announcement with Trump’s choice could be made as early as September or October, adding more uncertainty to the economic outlook. XAG/USD DAILY PRICE CHART SOURCE: TradingView At the same time, geopolitical tensions rose higher as Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi categorically rejected any intentions to restart nuclear talks with the United States. The statement ruled out talks or agreements, marking a resumption of tense relations. Such developments have added to risk-sensitive conditions among traders, who are also processing a mixed bag of US economic data. The softer-than-expected GDP reading is at odds with firmer jobless claims and a jump in durable goods orders, leaving markets nervous in the run-up to today’s PCE inflation figures. TECHNICAL ANALYSIS Silver (XAG/USD) was resisted at recent highs and has been pulled back towards the $36.50 area of support. This level corresponds with a near-term consolidation range, and a solid break below it risks opening the metal up for additional bear pressure. But overall, the trend is still cautiously bullish as long as it is above the 50-day moving average. Momentum indicators such as the RSI are softening from oversold levels, pointing towards a possible pause or adjustment before any fresh move up. Traders will be keeping a close eye on price action near this crucial support level for confirmation of direction. FORECAST If sentiment turns positive in the market, particularly with a dovish inclination from the next PCE inflation report, Silver may regain its traction. Fresh demand for safe-haven assets related to geopolitical unrest or growing fears regarding Fed policy credibility can also provide support for a move back up above the $37.00 level. Further still, if economic fundamentals continue to signal slowing growth, rate cut expectations may fuel further increases in Silver prices. On the negative side, Silver can continue to be at risk if better-than-anticipated PCE numbers add pressure to the Fed to stick to its restrictive policy. Any indication of economic robustness, including persisting strength in labor market reports or durable goods orders, would continue to put pressure on Silver. Breaking through the $36.50 level would likely accelerate selling, with potential lower support around $36.00 or worse in the short term.