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Commodities Gold

Gold Price Dips on Trade Optimism but Resists Bets on Fed Cut and Geopolitical Threats

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  • May 26, 2025
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Gold prices began the week on a weaker footing, dragged by weakening safe-haven demand as US-EU trade optimism picked up following President Trump’s postponement of planned tariffs. Still, the negative seems contained as fears about the US fiscal situation, continued geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and Ukraine, and increasing Federal Reserve rate cut expectations continue to underpin the yellow metal. Although the recent decline, technicals and overall fundamentals indicate any drop is likely to be considered a buying opportunity, with major support at $3,325 and major resistance at $3,400–$3,500 levels. KEY LOOKOUTS • Investors will be looking closely at Wednesday’s FOMC meeting minutes for hints regarding the timing and magnitude of expected interest rate reductions, which can play a huge role in determining the price of gold. • All-important data releases such as Durable Goods Orders (Wednesday), Preliminary GDP (Thursday), and the PCE Price Index (Friday) will give more indication of the health of the US economy and influence market sentiment. • Rising tensions in the Middle East and Ukraine, and whatever fresh sanctions or reactions from major powers, will continue to be key drivers of safe-haven appetite for gold. • The $3,325–$3,324 trendline is support, with a break lower potentially challenging $3,300 and $3,283. On the upside, breaking above $3,366 could set the stage for $3,400, $3,430, and perhaps the all-time high at $3,500. Gold prices continue in the spotlight as markets await economic indicators and geopolitical events. This week, the spotlight will be on the release of the FOMC minutes and significant US data such as Durable Goods Orders, GDP, and the PCE Price Index, which have the potential to influence expectations of future Fed rate cuts. Meanwhile, ongoing worries about the US fiscal deficit and rising geopolitical tensions—specifically in Ukraine and the Middle East—are set to maintain safe-haven demand. From a technical perspective, gold is clinging to support around $3,325, and a move above $3,366 could set the stage for a break towards the $3,400–$3,500 zone, maintaining bullish strength. Gold prices are supported by prospects of Fed rate cuts and ongoing geopolitical tensions despite pressure from weakening safe-haven demand. Gold prices will be watched for new directions this week by traders as they await key US data and FOMC minutes. A break above $3,366 can propel towards the $3,400–$3,500 zone. • Gold prices softened slightly as optimism in trade alleviated safe-haven demand after President Trump postponed EU tariffs. • Support is in place as Fed rate cut expectations continue to rise on weak US inflation and slowing growth. • Geopolitical uncertainty from the Russia-Ukraine conflict and Middle East tensions continue to support gold demand. • US fiscal worries escalate as Trump’s budget bill threatens to exacerbate the budget deficit, further enhancing gold’s appeal as a hedge. • The US Dollar falls, reaching a new monthly low, supporting gold prices by making foreign purchases less expensive. • FOMC minutes and economic data from the US such as GDP and PCE Index are major events this week that will determine the direction of gold. • Technicals indicate support at $3,325–$3,324, and resistance at $3,366; a breakout can reach the $3,400–$3,500 levels. Gold prices began the week on weaker footing as declining trade tensions between the US and the European Union lessened the urgent demand for safe-haven assets. President Trump’s announcement to postpone the imposition of a 50% tariff on the EU boosted optimism across global markets, leading investors to take on a more risk-on stance. Yet, that optimism is moderated by ongoing fears of the US fiscal situation, after the passing of a huge budget bill that has the potential to greatly expand the federal deficit in the years ahead. XAU/USD DAILY PRICE CHART CHART SOURCE: TradingView Aside from fiscal concerns, geopolitical risks remain the support for gold’s attractiveness. The Ukraine war, combined with elevated Middle East tensions, keeps investors on edge and underpins demand for safe-haven assets such as gold. In addition, expectations that the Federal Reserve will reduce interest rates later this year—fuelled by disappointing inflation readings and a slowing growth picture—contribute to the bullish tone around the metal. With global uncertainty persisting, gold continues to be a popular hedge against economic turmoil and political shocks. TECHNICAL ANALYSIS Gold is still underpinned by a wider bullish pattern, and recent price action continues to look resilient above important trendline levels. In spite of a minor pullback, the metal continues to be traded in an uptrend channel, reflecting continued buying interest on dips. Momentum indicators on the hourly and daily charts continue to reflect a positive bias, which indicates that any downside is going to be contained. So long as gold remains above near-term supports, the current trend benefits buyers with scope for continuation higher if bull sentiment advances. FORECAST Prices of gold can continue higher in the next sessions with support from dovish expectations over monetary policy by the Federal Reserve. With markets already factoring in several rate reductions this year because of dampening inflation and a slow economic environment, falling interest rates may further erode the strength of the US Dollar and make non-yielding assets such as gold more attractive. Moreover, persistent geopolitical tensions as well as fears regarding US fiscal health are set to maintain strong investor appetite for safe-haven assets. If bullishness prevails, gold may revisit key psychological points, with room to test old highs. On the bearish side, gold may come under pressure if trade sentiment continues to improve or if near-term US macroeconomic data surprises to the upside, reducing the need for rate cuts. Any indications of resilience in inflation or better-than-forecast economic data would lead to a more hawkish stance by the Fed, favoring the US Dollar and making gold less appealing. Although overall fundamentals remain generally favorable, any short-term change could come from a fleeting shift in risk appetite or profit-taking if support levels are broken.

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Commodities Gold

Gold Struggles Below $3,300 Amid US-China Trade Optimism and USD Recovery

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  • April 28, 2025
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Gold is having trouble gaining traction below the $3,300 level as optimism towards the prospects of a US-China trade deal and a small recovery in the US Dollar bear down on the metal. Deterioration in China’s gold consumption, especially in jewelry, also weighs on the precious metal. In spite of this, geopolitical tensions, such as the Russia-Ukraine war, and June Federal Reserve rate-cut expectations lend some support to gold as a safe-haven asset. Investors continue to hold back, looking to major US economic data due out this week that may bring more clarity on Fed policy expectations. Technical analysis indicates that gold prices may continue their recent fall if they are unable to hold above key support levels, but a bounce above $3,300 may set the stage for a move towards higher resistance levels. KEY LOOKOUTS •  Ongoing optimism regarding a possible US-China trade deal may put pressure on gold prices, but any setbacks or reversals in trade negotiations may prompt a renewed demand for safe-haven assets such as gold. •  Markets are on the lookout closely for signals that the Federal Reserve will make more rate cuts in the future. Any signals for more aggressive loosening will limit the US Dollar’s rebound and offer support for gold prices. •  Russia-Ukraine fighting and North Korean participation in the war continue as the primary geopolitical risks that could support demand for gold as an insurance asset if tensions increase. •  Future important economic reports such as the JOLTS job openings, Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE), and non-farm payrolls (NFP) could have an impact on market sentiment and the policy stance of the Fed, which may give new direction to gold prices. Various important factors affecting gold prices in the short term need to be watched closely by investors. The latest news in US-China trade talks continues to be paramount, with any indication of improvement potentially diminishing safe-haven demand, whereas disappointments may provoke new buying. The Federal Reserve policy direction is also being watched, with markets assuming the possibility of rate cuts that would devalue the US Dollar and boost gold. Geopolitical tensions, especially the Russia-Ukraine conflict and North Korea’s involvement, continue to support the metal’s safe-haven demand. Lastly, this week’s US economic releases, such as JOLTS, PCE, and the NFP report, are likely to give more indications on the Fed’s direction, which may create volatility in gold prices. Gold prices are still sensitive to US-China trade updates, expectations of a Fed rate cut, and geopolitical tensions. Future US economic releases, such as PCE and non-farm payrolls, may offer new direction. Investors are observing key support at $3,260 and resistance at $3,331. •  Expectations for the easing of trade tensions between the US and China are putting pressure on gold prices, with advances in the negotiations having the potential to lower safe-haven asset demand. •  A small increase in the US Dollar has been helping gold struggle below the $3,300 level, although additional rate cuts by the Federal Reserve have the potential to curb dollar gains. •  A year-over-year decrease of 5.96% in Chinese gold consumption, particularly in jewelry, places pressure on gold prices even as there is increased demand for gold bars and coins. • Geopolitical tensions, such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict and North Korea’s activities, continue to benefit gold as a safe-haven asset. • Bets in the market for additional Federal Reserve rate reductions, possibly starting in June, may depress the USD and support gold prices as a non-yielding asset. • Major US reports such as the JOLTS job openings, PCE, and non-farm payrolls (NFP) will be instrumental in determining the Fed’s future policy actions and may drive gold price action. •  Gold is now probing important support at $3,260, with overhead resistance at $3,331. A decline below support would put further losses in train, while a bounce above resistance could pave the way for a reversal to the upside. Gold prices are under pressure from several sources, including expectation for a possible US-China trade agreement and a small US Dollar recovery. With trade tensions between the world’s two biggest economies easing, investors are less willing to turn to gold as a safe-haven asset. And China’s decreasing demand for gold, particularly for jewelry, has also helped the prices of gold decline, since the country is among the largest consumers of gold. This falling consumption is part of more general economic headwinds, including the high price of gold that is slowing down demand for more conventional types of gold investment. XAU/USD Daily Price Chart Source: TradingView Gold is being buoyed despite these headwinds by geopolitical uncertainty, including the Russia-Ukraine conflict that continues to fuel demand for assets that are perceived as being safer in times of uncertainty. In addition, anticipation of additional interest rate reductions by the Federal Reserve may keep the US Dollar from appreciating much, providing some degree of support for gold. With markets waiting for major US economic releases, such as the JOLTS report and non-farm payrolls, there is a degree of caution, with investors seeking greater clarity on the monetary policy of the Fed and how it may affect both the Dollar and gold. TECHNICAL ANALYSIS Gold prices are now testing crucial support levels near $3,260, and a possible breakdown below here could indicate more downside risk. If the price is unable to hold this support, it could trigger a move towards the $3,225 area or even the psychological $3,200 level. On the positive side, gold encounters resistance around the $3,331-$3,332 levels, and a firm break above this level can possibly pave the way for a bounce back to the $3,366-$3,368 supply zone. A strong push above this zone can potentially pave the way for a larger rally, with the $3,400 level and higher serving as key targets for bulls. The major price action over the next few days will be largely influenced by the interaction of general economic data and geopolitical events. FORECAST Gold may see a bounce if geopolitical tensions, including the Russia-Ukraine conflict, keep

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Commodities Gold

Gold Price Forecast: Profit-Taking, Fed Rate Cut Speculation, and Market Trends With US Tariff Delays

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  • March 6, 2025
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Gold prices (XAU/USD) are seeing marginal profit-taking around $2,900 as US tariff tensions relax with a tariff delay on the importation of cars from Mexico and Canada. Despite this reprieve, tit-for-tat tariffs due in April still fuel safe-haven demand for the metal. While that is happening, investors are betting more on multiple Federal Reserve rate cuts as US economic indicators worsen, heightening recession fears. The European Central Bank’s interest rate decision and an important EU defense spending meeting contribute to the uncertainty in global markets. Technically, gold is still a “buy on dips,” with crucial support at $2,900 and resistance around the all-time high of $2,956. KEY LOOKOUTS • The postponement of US car import duties on Mexico and Canada provides relief in the short term, but April reciprocal tariffs still favor gold demand. • Market participants are factoring in several Fed rate cuts as US economic data deteriorates, making gold more attractive as a hedge against economic uncertainty. • The ECB will reduce interest rates by 25 bps, affecting market sentiment and gold prices along with wider economic policy changes. • Gold is bullish with major support at $2,900 and resistance at $2,956. Investors are eagerly observing price movement for breakouts or corrections. Gold prices are still an investment focus area with market trends adjusting to ease in US tariff tensions and swelling Federal Reserve rate-cut expectations. Though the pause on US auto import tariffs to Mexico and Canada is a near-term relief, retaliatory tariffs to be activated in April persist to drive safe-haven appetite. The multiple potential rate reductions by the Federal Reserve due to declining US economic indicators further heighten gold’s attraction. In the meantime, the expected 25 bps rate cut from the European Central Bank and a pivotal EU defense spending summit contribute to market volatility. With gold at around $2,900, pivotal technical levels such as support at $2,900 and resistance around $2,956 will be important for traders to monitor in this uncertain environment. Gold prices remain at $2,900 as US tariff delays give temporary relief, but future reciprocal tariffs maintain safe-haven demand. Traders expect several Fed rate cuts with deteriorating US economic data, while the ECB’s anticipated policy change contributes to market uncertainty. • The postponement of US car import tariffs on Mexico and Canada gives temporary relief, but April reciprocal tariffs maintain gold demand. • Despite some profit-taking, gold is still a sought-after hedge against economic and geopolitical risks. • Deteriorating US economic data have ignited speculation of a series of Fed rate cuts, making gold more attractive. • The ECB will likely lower rates by 25 bps, which could drive global market sentiment and gold prices. • Traders are reshuffling positions as bond markets already price in easing monetary policies. • The key support is at $2,900, and resistance around the all-time high of $2,956 will decide the direction for gold. • Global economic policy uncertainty and geopolitical risks may fuel swift price actions in gold. Gold continues to be a focus area in international markets as economic and geopolitical issues influence investor mood. The delay in US car import tariffs on Mexico and Canada has provided short-term relief, but the upcoming reciprocal tariffs in April keep uncertainty alive. Meanwhile, traders are closely monitoring the Federal Reserve’s stance as deteriorating US economic data strengthens the case for multiple interest rate cuts. As fears of economic slowdown abound, gold remains a go-to safe-haven asset, drawing investors seeking security in the face of uncertainty. XAU/USD Daily Price Chart Chart Source: TradingView At the global level, the European Central Bank’s upcoming interest rate decision is another layer of market attention, as policymakers balance economic threats and possible stimulus. Moreover, general geopolitical developments, such as talks on European Union defense expenditures and ongoing trade policies, fuel investor hesitancy. With central banks and governments navigating these economic challenges, gold’s use as a hedge against uncertainty is firm, as institutional and retail investors continue to attract steady demand. TECHNICAL ANALYSIS Gold prices are sustaining a robust bullish bias, and important technical levels are guiding the market movements.The $2,900 level is an important psychological support point, stemming any further bearish pressure. If gold sustains above this area, it may draw fresh buying interest, and prices may be directed towards the next resistance levels. On the higher side, the first resistance is at $2,934, followed by an important hurdle at $2,950. A breakthrough above such levels may initiate the door to the retesting of the all-time high price level at $2,956. In the case of accelerating selling pressure, $2,879 might become support. Analysts continue watching out for momentum levels and sentiment signals in assessing what may next follow gold’s price direction. FORECAST  Market conditions uphold the bullish trend for gold amid the metal’s safe-haven image. With increasing anticipation of several Federal Reserve rate cuts and continued uncertainty in the global economy, gold may experience additional upside action. If investor attitude continues to be risk-averse and inflationary fears linger, gold might overcome significant resistance points, potentially surpassing its historic high of $2,956. Moreover, any surprise geopolitical tensions or central bank dovish policies might additionally fuel demand, pushing prices even higher in the months ahead. On the negative side, gold prices can experience intermittent corrections as a result of profit-taking and changing market sentiment. If US economic indicators indicate improvement or the Federal Reserve becomes more hawkish, gold might suffer short-term pullbacks. Increased US dollar strength and higher bond yields can also pose headwinds, triggering dips to the $2,900 or even $2,879 support areas. Yet, until there is a dramatic change in international economic policies, every dip is likely to be perceived as a buying opportunity by long-term investors.

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Commodities Gold

Gold Price Floats Close to Weekly Lows Despite Increasing US Bond Yields and Trade Risk

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  • February 27, 2025
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Gold prices are under strain, trading close to a weekly low of less than $2,900 as increasing US Treasury bond yields strengthen the US Dollar. A minor USD rebound combined with a good equity market mood has dented demand for the safe-haven metal. Nonetheless, volatility regarding US President Donald Trump’s tariff strategy and persisting concerns about the ongoing trade war lends some support to XAU/USD. While in the meantime hopes for further Federal Reserve interest rate cuts based on indications that the US economy is slowing offer a cap to gold losses, market participants look to future US economic releases such as Q4 GDP, Durable Goods Orders, and the Fed’s favored measure of inflation, the PCE Price Index, for more market guidance. KEY LOOKOUTS • Higher US Treasury bond yields are favoring the US Dollar, putting downward pressure on gold prices and capping upside moves. • Doubts surrounding President Trump’s plans on tariffs, especially on imports from the EU, Mexico, and Canada, can affect safe-haven demand for gold. • Market expectations of more Fed rate cuts due to weakening US economic growth can act as a floor to gold, capping its downside. • Major releases such as Q4 GDP, Durable Goods Orders, and the PCE Price Index will provide new information about economic conditions and gold price action. Gold prices are still volatile as investors closely watch major economic and geopolitical events. The increasing US Treasury bond yields have supported the US Dollar, putting downward pressure on the precious metal. In the meantime, uncertainty regarding President Trump’s tariffs strategies, particularly possible levies on European goods, persists and continues to move markets. Regardless of these bearish elements, hopes for additional Federal Reserve rate cuts as evidenced by slowing US growth could offer some purchasing pressure support for gold. Further, near-term US economic data releases such as Q4 GDP, Durable Goods Orders, and the PCE Price Index will be instrumental in deciding the future direction for XAU/USD. Gold prices remain under pressure as rising US bond yields strengthen the US Dollar, weighing on the metal. Uncertainty over Trump’s tariff plans and expectations of Fed rate cuts may influence price movements. Key US economic data, including Q4 GDP and the PCE Price Index, will provide further direction. • XAU/USD trades below $2,900, pressured by rising US bond yields and a stronger US Dollar. • A US Treasury yield rally strengthens the USD, putting downward pressure on gold prices. • New tariffs on EU imports and Mexican and Canadian tariff delays instill market uncertainty, affecting gold demand. • Market speculation of additional Fed rate cuts in a slowing US economy can be bullish for gold. • Q4 GDP, Durable Goods Orders, and the PCE Price Index will be key drivers of short-term gold price action. • The key support is at $2,888, and a break below $2,860 could initiate further weakness down to $2,800. • A breakout above $2,920 may see selling pressure around $2,930, but persistent strength can drive gold up to $2,950-$2,955 resistance. Gold prices continue to be shaped by general economic and geopolitical conditions as investors weigh the effects of increasing US bond yields and trade tensions. The rising US Dollar, bolstered by a recovery in Treasury yields, continues to pressure the precious metal. But worries over President Trump’s tariff policies, including possible tariffs on European imports and ongoing trade tensions with Mexico and Canada, foster an environment of uncertainty. These geopolitical trends tend to propel safe-haven demand, making gold still a part of investors’ investment portfolios. Further Federal Reserve interest rate reductions, fueled by the indications of an economic growth slowdown, may also influence gold’s long-term attractiveness. GOLD Daily Price Chart Chart Source: TradingView Market participants are now keenly observing the significant US economic data releases that may further indicate the economic outlook. Data releases like Q4 GDP, Durable Goods Orders, and the PCE Price Index will assist in assessing the US economy’s strength and impact investor mood. Further guidance on the central bank’s future monetary policy may also be provided by speeches from Federal Reserve officials. Against these events, gold continues to be an asset of interest, with investors weighing its safe-haven attraction against changing macroeconomic fundamentals. TECHNICAL ANALYSIS Gold prices are immediately supported at the $2,888 level, with further downside risk to the $2,860-$2,855 area if bearish momentum continues. A break below this area would increase selling pressure, driving prices towards the $2,834 level and potentially the psychological $2,800 level. To the upside, resistance is found near the $2,920 level, with further selling pressure anticipated around the $2,930 area. A continued breakout above this barrier may set the stage for additional gains towards the $2,950-$2,955 resistance zone, which is the record high achieved earlier this week. The next direction will be closely monitored by traders through price action at these significant levels. FORECAST Gold prices might experience increased downward pressure in the near term on account of a rising US Dollar and an increase in Treasury bond yields. As the USD recovers from multi-month lows, investor psychology can be inclined towards riskier assets, decreasing demand for the safe-haven metal. Further, a bullish sentiment in equity markets and confusion over US tariff policies can be adding to short-term selling pressure. If bearish momentum grows, gold may test lower supports at $2,860, with further downside potential towards $2,834 or even $2,800. On the plus side, gold still has recovery potential if macroeconomic conditions become favorable to it. Rising hopes of cuts in Federal Reserve rates, underpinned by evidence of declining US economic growth, may raise gold demand since lower interest rates lower the opportunity cost of carrying non-yielding assets. Apart from that, geopolitical tensions in the form of trade uncertainties with regards to President Trump’s policy of tariffs might underpin safe-haven purchasing. If gold is able to overcome the $2,920 resistance level, it could gain more momentum towards the $2,950-$2,955 zone, with the possibility of testing new highs if positive sentiment continues to build.

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Commodities Gold

Gold Prices Rise Despite Market Uncertainty: Investors Look to Fed Rate Reductions and Central Bank Buying

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  • February 15, 2025
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Gold prices are poised to post a weekly gain of more than 0.80%, following a Friday dip, as investors absorb soft US Retail Sales data and declining Treasury yields. The US Dollar declined, boosting bullion’s appeal, while markets factored in more than a single Federal Reserve rate reduction, further bolstering gold’s longer-term prospects. Central bank buying continues to be robust, with more than 1,000 tons purchased for the third year in a row, supporting gold’s bullishness. Technically, XAU/USD is still in an uptrend, with support at $2,850 and resistance around its all-time high of $2,942. Traders continue to watch FOMC minutes and upcoming economic releases for additional price guidance. KEY LOOKOUTS • Multiple Fed rate cuts are being priced in by investors, enhancing gold’s attractiveness as the lowering of interest rates lessens the opportunity cost of holding bullion. • A weakening US Dollar, caused by disappointing retail sales, is making gold look more attractive as a safe-haven asset with economic uncertainty. • Central banks worldwide continue heavy gold purchases at more than 1,000 tons for the third year running, strengthening long-term bullish trend. • Gold has crucial resistance at $2,942, with the potential breakout point at $3,000, and support at $2,850 and $2,790 in the event of pullbacks. Gold continues to be poised for significant gains as several factors underpin its bullish trend. Disappointingly low US Retail Sales have stoked a dip in the US Dollar, bolstering gold’s safe-haven status. Investors are increasingly pricing in Federal Reserve rate cuts, lowering Treasury yields and making non-yielding assets such as gold more appealing. Moreover, central bank buying is still going through the roof, with more than 1,000 tons of gold purchased for the third year in a row, bolstering demand. Technically, although gold encounters resistance at its all-time high of $2,942, a breakout has the potential to drive prices to the $3,000 level, while support levels are critical at $2,850 and $2,790. Gold will close the week with strong gains in spite of Friday’s decline, propelled by softer US Retail Sales, weakening US Dollar, and rising Fed rate cut probabilities. Central bank buying keeps surging, supporting long-term fundamentals. Strong resistance at $2,942, with a possible breakout to $3,000. • Gold will close the week 0.80% higher in spite of a Friday pullback, demonstrating exceptional bullish sentiment. • Weaker-than-projected US Retail Sales caused a weakening US Dollar, improving gold’s safe-haven demand. • Investors expect several Federal Reserve rate cuts, lowering Treasury yields and making gold even more appealing. • Global central banks bought more than 1,000 tons of gold for the third year in a row, consolidating long-term bullish pressure. • The Greenback reached yearly lows, supporting higher gold prices further. • Major resistance is at $2,942, with the possibility of moving towards $3,000 if the buyers are able to maintain momentum. • Gold’s nearest support is at $2,850, then key levels at $2,790 and $2,730 in the event of a retracement. Gold is set to end the week with robust gains of 0.80%, despite Friday’s pullback, as investors respond to softer US Retail Sales and declining Treasury yields. The US Dollar has depreciated strongly, touching all-time lows on a yearly basis, and has further improved gold’s position as a safe haven. Second, investors now have priced in several Federal Reserve rate cuts, resulting in bond yields falling and making non-yielding assets such as gold attractive. Central bank demand also continues to be a primary driving force, as more than 1,000 tons of gold bought for the third year running continues its long-term bullish impetus. XAU/USD Daily Price Chart TradingView Prepared by ELLYANA Gold is to close out the week on firm gains of 0.80%, even after Friday’s pullback, as softer US Retail Sales and a falling US Dollar enhance its safe-haven status. Investors are now factoring in several Federal Reserve rate cuts, causing Treasury yields to decline and further bolstering the long-term picture for gold. Central banks continued their aggressive gold buying, fueling the optimism. On the technical side, gold is supported at $2,942 with a possible breakout to $3,000, while critical supports are $2,850 and $2,790. Market players now wait for the FOMC minutes to see what else they might indicate regarding monetary policy direction. TECHNICAL ANALYSIS The technical outlook for gold is still bullish, even as the metal pulls back recently, trading currently close to $2,883 following a two-day low of $2,878. The uptrend continues intact provided buyers protect crucial support points starting at $2,850, then $2,790 and $2,730. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) has moved out of overbought levels, indicating a possible consolidation before the next move higher. If gold is able to break above the $2,900 level, the next important resistance is at the all-time high of $2,942, with an extension possible towards the psychological $3,000 level. Traders will watch price action and future economic releases closely for additional confirmation of trend direction. FORECAST Gold prices’ bullish run is still on as a number of underlying and technical drivers remain in favor of higher prices. If the purchasing interest can propel gold above the $2,900 mark, the next threshold to watch is the all-time high price of $2,942. A move above this may cause additional gains towards the psychological level of $3,000. With investors already factoring in several Federal Reserve rate reductions and central banks still making robust gold purchases, the longer-term picture is still positive. Moreover, persistent US Dollar weakness and lower Treasury yields add to the support, and gold is a good hedge against inflation and economic uncertainty. While the overall trend is positive, gold is subject to potential downside risks from profit-taking and important support levels being tested. If the metal dips below $2,850, more declines would send it to the October 31 cycle high support at $2,790, and then to the next important level at $2,730. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) has moved out of overbought levels, which means there could be a short-term correction. If US economic indicators surprise on the upside

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