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Commodities Gold

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

Commodities Oil – US Crude

WTI Crude Oil Prices Edge Up as US-China Trade Deal Fuels Optimism, But Caution Reigns Amid Economic Uncertainty

WTI Crude Oil prices are close to a two-week high, just below the $61.00 level, as investors wait for more information on the recently signed US-China trade deal. Though optimism surrounding the agreement serves to offset worry about demand, and especially in relief of easing US recession concerns, the lack of specificity regarding reductions in tariffs maintains bullish momentum in check. Moreover, the Federal Reserve’s hawkish attitude and OPEC+ output increase decisions maintain price advances in check, as the market weighs potential oversupply risk against hopes for tightened US supplies and the geopolitical nuances. Traders are now waiting for future US inflation reports and comments from Fed Chief Jerome Powell for additional guidance. KEY LOOKOUTS • Traders will keenly watch for additional details on the trade agreement, particularly on any possible tariff reductions, as this may give vital guidance to Crude Oil prices. •  Releaser of US inflation data this week, as well as the usual remarks from Fed Chair Jerome Powell, might have a strong influence on the US Dollar and by extension Crude Oil prices. •  Persistent oversupply fears, especially with OPEC+ accelerating production hikes, might put any upward move in Crude Oil prices in its place. •  Ongoing geopolitical risks, combined with hopes of more constricted US oil supplies, can serve as counterforces to prop up Crude Oil prices in the context of wider market restraint. WTI Crude Oil prices are near a two-week high, and major factors are influencing the direction of the market. Traders are eagerly looking for more information on the US-China trade agreement, especially on tariff cuts, which can impact demand and price action. Furthermore, later today’s US inflation figures and comments from Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell are likely to influence the US Dollar, which will create further volatility in Crude Oil markets. Oversupply concerns, driven by OPEC+’s recent decision to boost production, remain to hold back price advances, while geopolitical tensions and US oil supply tightening are offering some support. The confluence of these factors implies that traders need to exercise caution, waiting for stronger signals before making any decisive directional wagers on Crude Oil. WTI Crude Oil prices are close to a two-week peak, underpinned by optimism surrounding the US-China trade deal, but caution is exercised as traders wait for more information on tariff cuts. Market forces are also driven by US inflation numbers, Fed speak, OPEC+ production decisions, and prevailing geopolitical concerns, which produce a careful but even trading atmosphere. •   US-China trade deal optimism alleviates global demand fears, providing support to Crude Oil prices, but the absence of tariff reduction details keeps traders on guard. •  Future US inflation data and possible remarks by Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell may impact the US Dollar and, in turn, Crude Oil prices. •  OPEC+’s move to accelerate the increase in oil output may raise the risk of oversupply, capping sharp price increases in the oil market. •   Ongoing geopolitical concerns continue to underpin Crude Oil prices, with concerns over global stability still a dominant force in the market. •   Assumptions of reduced US oil supplies offer some short-term support for WTI Crude Oil prices, even in the face of wider economic fears. •  WTI Crude Oil is encountering resistance at $61.00, with significant support levels at $55.00, which will dictate the next direction in prices. •   Traders are being cautious, waiting for clearer signals from economic data and geopolitical events before placing large directional wagers on oil prices. WTI Crude Oil prices are going through a phase of cautious optimism as traders watch closely the events surrounding the US-China trade deal. Recent reports of a two-country agreement also alleviated anxiety over global demand, boosting the oil market. Yet, in the absence of concrete details concerning tariff cuts, many traders avoided going all in on a positive outlook, in turn keeping emotions in check. Even with optimistic news, nervousness persists while the market still waits for terms of the arrangement to be detailed. WTI Crude Oil DAILY PRICE CHART CHART SOURCE: TradingView Aside from the trade tensions, more general economic considerations are shaping the oil market. The back-and-forth about US inflation and the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy approach are essential in driving the direction of oil prices. Global production levels and geopolitical threats, however, are still influencing the supply and demand dynamic. While traders keep an eye on these events, the oil market is also likely to see a period of cautious watching, with important economic information and political developments poised to give the next big hints. TECHNICAL ANALYSIS WTI Crude Oil prices are now consolidating around a two-week high, with resistance slightly below the $61.00 level. The recent surge upwards has ignited cautious hopes, but the fact that it lacks strong momentum indicates that the traders are not keen to drive prices further upwards without greater clarity regarding the major economic and geopolitical variables. The price dynamics in this zone point towards a potential consolidation phase, during which oil can trade in a tighter zone before breaking higher or retracting. Support levels are closely monitored at the $55.00 price level, and any notable break outside of these levels could point to a stronger trend in one direction or the other. FORECAST As the details of the US-China trade deal move in favor of more favorable terms, especially tariffs, this can create expectations for higher demand that would drive up WTI Crude Oil prices. Furthermore, a positive response to US inflation data or any comments from Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell that are dovish would add further fuel to the bullish argument. Under this scenario, oil prices would cross the $61.00 resistance level and set a target price of $63.00 or more based on optimism for world growth and diminishing US oil supplies. Conversely, in case the trade agreement continues to lack clarity, or if economic indicators show sagging demand, WTI Crude Oil may have a hard time continuing its recent uptrend. A stronger Dollar, buoyed by aggressive Fed policies

Currencies USD/JPY

USD/JPY Rally Extends Amid US-China Trade Deal Hopes and Fed’s Hawkish Tone, Targeting 145.00 Level

Japanese Yen (JPY) continues to come under pressure due to hopes over a US-China trade deal and the hawkish tone of the Federal Reserve driving the USD/JPY pair higher, with the pair near the 145.00 level. In spite of the Fed’s rate pause cues, the USD remains supported by the continued hopes for trade deals fueled by US President Trump’s statement about the announcement of a big deal. While the Bank of Japan (BoJ) provides cues about prospective interest rate increases in 2025, the global economic risks, especially about the US tariffs, may cap firmer JPY losses. Technical indicators are indicating further upside in USD/JPY, with levels to keep an eye on at 144.00 and 145.00. KEY LOOKOUTS • The USD/JPY currency pair is moving up as a result of optimism over a US-China trade agreement and the Federal Reserve’s policy of maintaining rates unchanged, which indicates support for the US Dollar. • The minutes of the BoJ indicate possible future interest rate increases in 2025, although global uncertainty and economic unpredictability will constrain the Japanese Yen’s losses. • President Trump’s statements on a significant trade deal announcement also increase investor optimism in the US Dollar, supporting JPY’s underperformance as a safe-haven currency. • The duo is set to test the 145.00 psychological level, with major technical resistance at 144.00 and support levels near 143.40, which affect market mood and price action. USD/JPY pair maintains its rally, supported by a mix of US trade agreement optimism and the hawkish bias of the Federal Reserve, which supports US Dollar confidence. President Trump’s recent remarks over a big announcement of a trade deal have even further added fuel to anticipation, boosting the USD against the Japanese Yen. The Bank of Japan has even threatened to hike interest rates in 2025 but with worldwide economic uncertainties surrounding the tariffs imposed by the US having checked the ascent of the Yen. Consequently, the duo is getting close to the 145.00 level, with technical charts indicating that resistance at 144.00 and support at 143.40 will be the key determinants of the next direction. USD/JPY pair keeps on moving upwards, fueled by US trade deal optimism and a dovish Fed attitude. Although the Bank of Japan hints at future rate rises later in 2025, global uncertainties continue to put pressure on the Japanese Yen, taking the pair towards the 145.00 level. •  Optimism over US-China trade discussions increases investor confidence, favoring the US Dollar relative to the Japanese Yen. • The Fed’s hold on interest rates has supported the US Dollar, which has helped its strength against safe-haven currencies such as the Yen. • In spite of worldwide economic uncertainty, the Bank of Japan indicates that it can increase interest rates in 2025, curbing further losses for the Yen. • President Trump’s words regarding a significant trade deal announcement later today further support USD sentiment, pressuring the Yen. • Continuous uncertainty stemming from US tariffs and geopolitical unrest, including the Russia-Ukraine crisis, dents the safe-haven value of the Yen. • The pair is close to crucial resistance at 145.00, with levels of support at 143.40 and 143.00 probably shaping subsequent price action. • Traders expect President Trump’s press conference to offer fresh cues on the course of US trade policy and impact the overall market mood. USD/JPY currency pair is picking up speed, spurred on by increasing hope surrounding US-China trade negotiations and the recent dovish tilt in Federal Reserve monetary policy. Supportive comments by President Trump on a big trade deal announcement due later today again boosted confidence in the US Dollar, as global economic volatility remains a source of concern that keeps the Japanese Yen on the back foot. The expectation of a possible US trade agreement and the Fed’s choice to wait before lowering rates have helped push the US Dollar higher, which has undermined the safe-haven status of the Yen. USD/JPY DAILY PRICE CHART CHART SOURCE: TradingView At the same time, the Bank of Japan (BoJ) is also cautious but indicates that it might hike interest rates in 2025 if inflationary trends persist. In spite of these possible plans to tighten, the BoJ remains wary of global economic uncertainty, notably regarding US trade policy. Consequently, the potential for the Yen to recover is subdued, notably as the US Dollar remains buoyed by optimism over trade deals and general market sentiment. Traders are following events closely, which influence the current direction in USD/JPY. TECHNICAL ANALYSIS USD/JPY currency pair is now probing major resistance levels near the 144.00 level, and has the potential to move past 145.00, which is a psychological level. The 200-period Simple Moving Average (SMA) on the 4-hour chart is still a key metric to monitor, as it has acted as a resistance level in the past. If the pair is able to break above 144.30, it may lead to a rally up to the 145.00 level and further to 146.00. On the other hand, the immediate support areas are around 143.40-143.35, and a break below these levels would likely send the pair to the 142.35-142.00 region. These technical considerations, in addition to overall market sentiment, will most probably dictate the near-term direction of USD/JPY. FORECAST USD/JPY pair is expected to continue its bullish trend, particularly if the pair successfully crossed the 144.30 resistance level. A prolonged movement above this level may set the stage towards the psychological 145.00 level, a key level to watch for traders. If the US Dollar continues to be strong on sustained optimism regarding US trade agreements and the hawkish policy of the Federal Reserve, USD/JPY may continue its rally, possibly testing levels around 146.00 in the near future. Momentum indicators also indicate that if the pair continues to be bullish, it may move higher, driven by investor optimism regarding the US economy and declining global risk concerns. Conversely, if the pair is rejected around the 144.00-144.30 levels and cannot stay above these levels, a corrective retrace might ensue. Levels of support around 143.40-143.35 are

Commodities Gold

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

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