Gold prices appears to have found stability around $2,020, as the world enters a week characterized by a risk-off mood. The US Dollar is holding its ground as Treasury bond yields remain sluggish, providing support for gold. From a technical standpoint, the daily setup continues to favor the upside for gold prices.
As we look ahead to the week, the focus shifts to the US Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) Price Index, a key inflation indicator. The Bank of Japan’s monetary policy decision is also anticipated to influence trading dynamics in yield markets, therefore potentially impacting the performance of gold.
The recent dovish pivot from the US Federal Reserve (Fed) is contributing to the support for gold, as expectations of interest rate cuts next year have been affirmed. However, the subdued US Treasury bond yields are controlling the progression of the US Dollar, ultimately affecting gold prices.
In terms of technical analysis, despite Friday’s retreat from recent highs, the overall direction for gold remains upwards. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) indicator and the 21-day Simple Moving Average (SMA) are key levels to watch, with a potential decline towards the 50-day SMA at $1,982 if the 21-day SMA is breached. Conversely, a move above the $2,040-$2,050 range is crucial for a bullish continuation towards the psychological level of $2,100 and beyond.
In addition, it’s important to note that central banks are currently the biggest holders of gold. They use gold as a way to stabilize their currencies during turbulent times and diversify their reserves. Gold is also seen as a hedge against inflation and depreciating currencies, which aligns with its reputation as a safe-haven asset.
The inverse correlation between gold and the US Dollar, as well as US Treasuries, plays a significant role in influencing the price of gold. Geopolitical instability, economic performance, and the overall sentiment in risk markets also contribute to the movement of gold prices.
In conclusion, while the coming week holds important reports and decisions that could impact gold prices, the technical and fundamental perspectives continue to align in favor of a bullish outlook for gold.