Gold prices plummet after hitting five-week high

Gold prices plummeted from a five-week high of $2,726 per ounce to $2,680 per ounce on Thursday. If gold prices rise, they may encounter resistance at $2,726 per ounce, while if gold prices decline, support may be encountered near $2,610 per ounce. 

Gold has been trading in an uptrend since last week, but its rally was halted on Thursday. Gold prices hit a five-week high in early trading on Thursday but plummeted later in the day as many traders rushed to realize their gains. Meanwhile, the dollar continued gaining strength, putting pressure on gold prices.

Gold prices have been typically directed by the dollar’s movement, as the competing gold typically loses appeal as an investment when the dollar rises. The continued to gain strength on Thursday, and the dollar index rose from 106.6 to 107.0. US treasury yields also gained strength, supporting the dollar, with the US 10-year bond yield rising from 4.25% to 4.32%.  

Gold prices are supported by increased Fed rate cut expectations. The US Federal Reserve cut interest rates by 25 basis points in November to a target range of 4.50% to 4.75%. Even though disinflation in the US is stalling, odds of a Fed rate cut in December went up after the release of the US inflation report on Wednesday. After the release of the US inflation report on Wednesday, market odds of a rate cut in December rose from 92% to 98%, boosting gold prices. 

Gold prices gained strength earlier this week as the Bank of China announced over the weekend that it is going to resume gold purchases after a six-month break. 

Geopolitical tensions continue to rise, boosting demand for safe-haven assets. The civil war in Syria was rekindled last week, further destabilizing the region. In a surprise offensive, Syrian rebels have captured Damascus and toppled the government. President Bashar al-Assad was forced to flee the country and according to recent reports he has asked for Asylum in Moscow. The Syrian rebel army is currently in charge and political instability in Syria is reigniting geopolitical risks, boosting gold prices.

Meanwhile, a 60-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon has been officially declared. Reports, however, that Israel has been repeatedly violating the ceasefire, propped up gold prices last week. In addition, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Russia may use its new nuclear-capable missiles against Ukraine in response to Ukraine’s using long-range missiles to attack Russian territories.

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Written by:
Myrsini Giannouli

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