Gold Stays Steady Above $3,000 Due to Tariff Uncertainty: Markets Wait to See Trump’s Hand
Gold prices stay firm at just above $3,000, firming at around $3,020 after a recent decline, as markets wait warily for the April 2 deadline for new U.S. tariffs in the Trump administration. Cues that there might be a switch from tariffs in general to specific sector-specific tariffs have caused relief as fears of a sweeping trade war abated. But underlying concerns remain, keeping pressure on gold. Also, activity in the gold sector, such as Gold Fields’ rejected bid for Gold Road Resources and Zijin Mining’s solid profit growth, reflects continued strength and investor appetite for bullion, fueled by economic uncertainties, tariff tensions, and rising central bank and ETF demand. Technical analysis shows significant support at $3,000, with traders keenly observing for any new developments that might push gold to new highs or induce further losses. KEY LOOKOUTS • Traders need to watch closely for any official word from the Trump administration on the scope and intensity of the proposed tariffs, as a change from broad to targeted tariffs could have a big impact on gold prices. • The near-term support at the psychological $3,000 figure is essential. Any prolonged break below this figure might spur further downside pressure, targeting next supports at $2,998 (S1) and possibly $2,975 (S2). • Monitor sector-specific news, including Gold Fields’ bid efforts and Zijin Mining’s strong earnings, that gauge overall market sentiment towards gold and might spur total bullish or bearish momentum. • Ongoing central bank buying activity and rising inflows into Gold ETFs will continue to be key gauges of underlying investor sentiment, which could propel longer-term bullion price trends in the face of geopolitical uncertainty. Investors are monitoring events surrounding the April 2 tariff deadline closely, as President Trump’s move to potentially abandon broad tariffs in favor of targeted, sector-specific actions has the potential to greatly impact market sentiment and gold price action. Technically, the key $3,000 support is still in focus, and any break of this level would be expected to increase downward pressure towards lower levels of support. Furthermore, recent corporate news, including Gold Fields’ failed takeover offer for Gold Road Resources and Zijin Mining’s record profits, underlines ongoing strength and investor appetite for the gold sector. Demand patterns from central banks and ETF inflows are also key barometers that investors will closely watch for evidence of ongoing bullish momentum or rising frailties in the gold market. Gold holds firm above $3,000, waiting for more detail about future U.S. tariffs that have a deadline of April 2. Investors watch closely for Trump’s next steps, company sector activity, and ETF demand to determine future price direction with ongoing market uncertainty. • Gold prices stabilize above $3,000 following recent volatility, now at around $3,020. • Markets look to the April 2 deadline for possible new U.S. tariffs, key to short-term gold action. • Trump administration weighs targeted tariffs rather than sweeping, broad-based action, calming some market fears. • $3,000 is still key technical support; a break below this level may set off further declines. • Gold Fields’ spurned bid for Gold Road Resources indicates continued consolidation in the gold industry. • Chinese mining group Zijin Mining reports record profits fueled by surging gold and copper prices, indicating optimistic investor sentiment. • Growing gold ETF and central bank investments continue to provide support for long-term bullion price support. Gold prices are flat around the critical level of $3,000 awaiting the impending tariff announcement by United States President Donald Trump, planned for April 2. Hints that it would switch to selective tariffs impacting particular industries or areas have allayed a degree of anxiety on the market while uncertainty remains present. Market players are more alert to the prospects of the adjustments in tariffs given that they hold the potential to greatly alter the dynamics of world trade as well as the performance of economies. XAU/USD Daily Price Chart Chart Source: TradingView Additionally, corporate activity within the gold sector indicates ongoing investor confidence and consolidation. Gold Fields recently proposed an acquisition of Australia’s Gold Road Resources, which was subsequently rejected, signaling strategic moves among key players in the industry. At the same time, China’s Zijin Mining posted record profits driven by greater world demand for gold and copper, echoing more general bullish sentiment toward precious metals in response to increased geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainties. Central banks and gold ETF investment also remain steady backers, further solidifying gold’s status as a safe-haven asset amidst unpredictable times. TECHNICAL ANALYSIS Gold is stabilizing right now just above the critical support level at $3,000, with the near-term pivot point at $3,023 serving as a short-term guideline for investors. The key resistance is at $3,046, and the all-time high at $3,057 may come into play if bulls reemerge. On the negative side, the $3,000 psychological level is still a key level; a break below that would trigger further selling pressure, with next support levels at $2,998 and $2,975. Market participants should watch these important technical levels closely, as they will most likely determine gold’s short-term price direction in the face of changing tariff news and market developments. FORECAST If President Trump’s government chooses to introduce more cautious, sector-level tariffs or otherwise indicates further weakening of trade policy before the deadline of April 2, then gold prices would likely see revived upward momentum. Also, renewed central bank demand and rising flows into Gold ETFs would sustain bullish sentiment that could push the prices back up to recent peaks of around $3,057. But if tariff tensions grow or uncertainty picks up, markets could witness growing selling pressure in gold, and prices could test critical psychological support levels around $3,000. A clean break below this crucial level, fueled by fresh doubts over broader economic ramifications or adverse corporate news, could prolong the downside, and prices could be pushed into lower support levels of around $2,975.