The dollar’s rally pushes gold prices down

Gold prices declined on Thursday as the competing dollar gained strength and gold dropped to the $1,970 per ounce level. If gold prices increase, resistance may be encountered near $1,987 per ounce, while if gold prices decline, support may be found near $1,902 per ounce.

Gold prices have been predominantly directed by the dollar’s movement, as the competing gold typically loses appeal as an investment when the dollar rises. The dollar rallied on Thursday, with the dollar index rising to the 100.9 level. US Treasury yields also gained strength, with the US 10-year bond dropping to 3.85%.

Gold rallied last week after US inflation data raised market expectations that the US Federal Reserve is nearing the end of its tightening cycle. Increases in central banks’ interest rates put pressure on gold prices since assets yielding interest become a more appealing investment compared to gold as interest rates rise. 

US inflation slowed more than expected in June, weighing the dollar down and boosting gold prices. The U.S. Federal Reserve kept its interest rate steady at its June policy meeting for the first time in well over a year to a target range of 5.00% to 5.25%. 

The Fed has signaled that its tightening cycle is not over yet, however, and market odds are in favor of another rate hike in July after June’s pause. Even though US inflation cooled to 3% in June, dropping close to the Fed’s 2% goal, most analysts expect another 25-bp rate hike in July. There is, however, doubt on whether the Fed will continue hiking rates after July’s rate increase or whether July’s rate hike will be the last one this year.

TRADE GOLD

The content provided in this material and/or any other material that this content is referred to, whether it comes from a third party or not, is for information purposes only and shall not be considered as a recommendation and/or investment advice and/or investment research and/or suggestions for performing any actions with financial products or instruments, or to participate in any particular trading strategy and cannot guarantee any profits. Past performance does not constitute a reliable indicator of future results. TopFX does not represent that the material provided here is accurate, current, or complete and therefore shouldn't be relied upon as such. This material does not take into account the reader's financial situation or investment objectives. We advise any readers of this content to seek their own advice. Without the approval of TopFX, no reproduction or redistribution of the information provided herein is permitted.

Written by:
Myrsini Giannouli

Share the article: