The gold price fluctuated within a narrow range today as investors abstained from taking large bets before US economic data that can affect the Federal Reserve’s plan to raise interest rates. As of 0245 GMT, spot gold was up 0.1% at $1,842.37 per ounce while fluctuating by $4.
US gold futures increased by 0.1% to $1,852.10.
High rates deter investors from investing in non-yielding assets like gold.
As markets assess whether the Fed’s hawkish repricing may have gone too quickly, the decline in gold prices has “slightly stabilized,” according to OCBC FX strategist Christopher Wong.
Early in the month, gold prices reached their highest level since April 2022. However, it dropped by nearly $120 as a result of a barrage of economic reports that indicated a strong US economy and a tight labor market, which fueled worries that interest rates would continue to rise.
The Fed’s most recent policy meeting will be made public. Additionally, the money markets anticipate Fed to increase benchmark rates above 5% by May. Although high rates are expected for 5.3% in July.
The focus is on core PCE as further hawkish repricing of the Fed requires new catalyst. A strong USD print could put pressure on gold, but gold could bounce back if data release the data comes in below expectations, according to OCBC’s Wong.
Investors are also looking forward to the release of US core personal consumption expenditure (PCE) data. Additionally, Fed’s preferred inflation indicator and gross domestic product estimates later this week.
Greenback-priced bullion has become more expensive for buyers using other currencies as the dollar index increased by 0.1%.
The price of silver increased by 0.1% to $21.76 an ounce. Platinum increased by 0.2% to $928.26, and palladium increased by 0.2% to $1,507,90.
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