Gold Price Stays Below Multi-Week High as Trade Tensions Counter Fed Rate Uncertainty
Gold price stays range-bound below a multi-week high as opposing market forces make traders wary. While lowering expectations of an instant Fed rate cut bolster the US Dollar and negate the non-yielding metal, increasing global trade tensions—particularly new US tariff threats against the EU and Mexico—enforce safe-haven buying. Investors are waiting for next US inflation data for more insight into the direction of Fed’s policy, which will determine the next big move of gold. KEY LOOKOUTS • New tariff threats by President Trump on the EU and Mexico boost global risk aversion, fueling demand for safe-haven assets such as gold. • Fading chances of an imminent Fed rate cut favor the US Dollar, limiting gold’s short-term upside potential. • Traders are looking ahead to significant US inflation data (CPI and PPI) this week, which may define speculation surrounding the Fed’s policy direction and determine gold’s next direction. • The downside in gold seems supported around $3,300, while bulls look to retake the $3,400 level, supported by a bullish technical pattern. Gold price is stabilizing below a multi-week high in a tug-of-war between stronger US Dollar and rising global trade tensions. The fading prospects of an imminent Fed rate cut have boosted the greenback, which is holding back the non-yielding bullion. But new US threats of trade against the European Union and Mexico soured market mood, underpinning gold’s safe-haven allure. With investors looking for decisive US inflation data and additional Fed commentary, gold is stuck in a defensive holding position, with limited downside risk and scope for renewed upside momentum. Gold price trades defensively below recent highs with lower bets on Fed rate cuts underpinning the US Dollar. But increasing trade tensions maintain demand for the safe-haven metal. Investors are awaiting US inflation data for firmer guidance. • Gold price consolidates below a multi-week high, weighed down by improved US Dollar performance. • Lower probability of an imminent Fed rate cut aids the greenback and caps gold’s upside. • US President Trump’s threats to impose tariffs on the EU and Mexico increase global trade tensions and spike safe-haven demand. • Market sentiment remains weak, with investors on edge amid contradictory economic signals. • Near-term US CPI and PPI data are important for determining expectations about the Fed’s next move. • Technical support perceived around $3,300, with bulls looking for a possible move towards $3,400. • FOMC minutes indicate concerns about inflation, supporting speculation of delayed monetary easing. Gold continues to be in the spotlight as a safe-haven asset in a complicated mix of global economic and political developments. The most recent driver has been renewed tensions in trade, ignited by the threat of 30% tariffs on goods from the European Union and Mexico by US President Donald Trump. These declarations have shaken investor confidence, supplemented by an already risk-averse market climate. Consequently, demand for gold—historically regarded as a hedge against uncertainty—has been sustained despite headwinds from other economic influences. XAU/USD DAILY PRICE CHART SOURCE: TradingView Meanwhile, market participants are carefully watching signs from the US Federal Reserve on its monetary policy direction. Although there are still some officials worried about ongoing inflation, the general tone is one of no rush to cut rates immediately. This has supported the US Dollar and created uncertainty around the direction of gold. Meanwhile, investors are waiting for important US inflation readings this week, which are most likely to shape future Fed actions and set the general tone in the wider markets. TECHNICAL ANALYSIS Gold price recently crossed above the 100-period Simple Moving Average (SMA) on the 4-hourly chart and broke through the important $3,358–$3,360 resistance area, indicating bullish momentum. Bullish oscillators on both hourly and daily horizons indicate that the metal may resume its uptrend, with the next target at around the psychological $3,400 level. On the downside, near-term support is at about the $3,300 mark, followed by the $3,283–$3,282 range. A prolonged break below those levels may leave the metal vulnerable to a more significant pullback towards the July swing low around $3,248. FORECAST If safe-haven demand continues to build with rising trade tensions and global uncertainty, gold is set to retake higher ground. A sustained break above the $3,360 level could set the stage for a test of the psychological $3,400 level. Additional bullish pressure could be fueled by weak US inflation data or dovish Fed commentary, sending gold to fresh multi-week highs in the near term. Conversely, if future US economic indicators surprise on the upside and corroborate the argument against near-term rate cuts, the US Dollar can continue to appreciate further, putting downward pressure on gold prices. A fall below the critical $3,300 support level could initiate more selling pressure, sending the metal lower to the $3,283–$3,282 area. A clear cut-through of this level may expose gold to additional risk of decline, potentially stretching down to the $3,248–$3,247 support level.