Gold Prices Drop Below $3,250 on US-China Trade Deal and Bullish USD Sentiment
Gold prices have fallen sharply below the $3,250 mark as bullish sentiment on the US-China trade deal and a stronger US dollar negatively impact the precious metal. The pact between the two nations to cut tariffs significantly has improved global risk sentiment, causing investors to move away from safe-haven assets such as gold. In the meantime, soothing US recession concerns and the Federal Reserve’s aggressive interest rate hawkishness have also continued to prop up the dollar, further weighing on gold prices. With market focus now shifting to future US inflation readings and Fed Chairman Jerome Powell’s testimony, traders are expecting further gold declines, particularly if the price breaks below crucial support levels. KEY LOOKOUTS • The release of the next US inflation numbers later this week will be closely watched, as they may affect market expectations for future Federal Reserve action, specifically on interest rates, that would impact the outlook for gold. • Powell’s on-stage appearance on Thursday may further clarify the Fed’s thoughts on rate cuts, potentially sparking yet more US dollar strength and prolonging bear pressure on gold. • The long-term implications of the US-China tariff reduction agreement will also influence global risk sentiment in the future. If tensions in trade continue to ease, demand for safe-haven assets such as gold may still be muted. • Be on the lookout for price breakdowns below the $3,250 level, especially around the $3,200 level, which can serve as a point for more losses. Alternatively, a bounce above $3,300 may point towards potential short-covering and price reversal. With gold prices still falling below the $3,250 threshold, a number of influential factors are at play. The new US-China trade deal, which constitutes a substantial lowering of tariffs, has supported risk appetite at the international level, encouraging investors to move away from safe-haven instruments such as gold. This combined with the Federal Reserve’s aggressive approach to raising interest rates and the strength of the US dollar has further put pressure on the precious metal. Traders are now waiting for significant events, such as the publication of US inflation data and statements by Fed Chair Jerome Powell, which may offer key information about the future trajectory of both gold and the dollar. Furthermore, technical levels near $3,200 are still pivotal, with a break of this support potentially causing further falls for gold. Gold prices are under stress, declining below $3,250 due to optimism for the US-China trade deal and a stronger dollar dulling the appetite for the metal. Gold’s near-term direction will probably be determined by significant market events, such as US inflation numbers and Fed Chairman Jerome Powell’s upcoming remarks. • Gold prices have declined below the level of $3,250, a major fall in the market. • The US-China trade tariff cut accord has enhanced overall risk sentiment worldwide, dampening the demand for safe-haven assets such as gold. • Optimism over the trade agreement and the Federal Reserve hawkish pause has been favorable for the US dollar, placing added pressure on gold prices. • Positive developments in the trade front have succeeded in tempering fears over the possibility of a US recession, further diminishing gold’s attractiveness. • The $3,200 level is still a key support level for gold, and any breakdown below it could trigger further losses. • Traders are looking forward to US inflation data releases that could shape expectations of future Fed rate hikes and affect gold prices. • We will be looking for any new signals in Powell’s testimony that could give direction for both the US dollar and gold in terms of future monetary policy. Gold prices have remained under pressure with prices dipping below the $3,250 benchmark as market sentiments change following news of a development in the US-China trade discussions. The easing of tariffs among the two nations has triggered sentiments in global markets, promoting the risk-on position that reduces appetite for safe-haven assets such as gold. As investors disengage from risk-off positions, the price of gold has continued to decline, noticeably. XAU/USD DAILY PRICE CHART CHART SOURCE: TradingView Apart from the trade agreement, the US dollar has picked up strength as recession concerns eased and the Federal Reserve maintained its hawkish interest rate stance, which weighed further on the price of gold. The market now awaits major economic events, including the announcement of US inflation figures and comments from Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, that can shape investor sentiment and potentially give fresh direction to the precious metal in the days to come. TECHNICAL ANALYSIS Gold prices have slid below $3,250, led primarily by a spike in optimism over the US-China trade deal, which has given global risk sentiment a boost. The tariff-cutting accord between the two countries has prompted investors to shift away from safe-haven investments such as gold, directing attention to risk-sensitive investments. Moreover, the solidifying US dollar, bolstered by declining recession fears and the hawkish tone at the Federal Reserve regarding interest rates, has also dented gold’s attraction. While markets wait for major economic reports, such as US inflation figures and remarks by Fed Chair Jerome Powell, the future of gold is uncertain. FORECAST Gold prices may recover somewhat if the market responds to any surprise negative economic data or geopolitical tensions that revive demand for safe-haven assets. Furthermore, if inflation readings come in higher than anticipated or if Fed Chairman Jerome Powell indicates a more dovish approach to interest rates, it may soften the US dollar and boost gold’s upside. Gold could also draw support if investor sentiment shifts toward caution again, especially if trade negotiations between the US and China breakdown or face some setbacks. To the downside, gold may suffer additional pressure if the US-China trade deal optimism continues to underpin global risk-on sentiment. A firmer US dollar, boosted by the Federal Reserve’s hawkish bias and upbeat economic data, can provide additional pressures to gold’s decline. If inflation figures indicate stabilization and the Fed holds its aggressive stance on interest rates, the allure of gold might decrease further still, with