Gold prices rallied on Tuesday, with investors eyeing a potential Federal Reserve rate cut at the upcoming December meeting. The precious metal climbed above the $2,690 level, fueled by growing expectations of easing monetary policy and geopolitical tensions.
Economic Indicators and Market Sentiment
Recent economic data from the US has painted a mixed picture. While the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) survey indicated increased optimism among small businesses, traders are closely watching upcoming inflation reports. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Producer Price Index (PPI) data, scheduled for release on Wednesday and Thursday, respectively, will be crucial in shaping market sentiment.
Fed Rate Cut Expectations
Market participants are increasingly confident that the Fed will implement a rate cut at its December meeting. CME FedWatch Tool data suggests an 86% probability of a 25-basis-point reduction in the federal funds rate. This expectation has significantly boosted gold prices, as lower interest rates typically reduce the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding assets like gold.
Geopolitical Factors
Geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Middle East, have also contributed to gold‘s upward momentum. Recent events in Syria have added to the uncertainty in the region, driving safe-haven demand for gold.
From a technical perspective, gold’s uptrend appears to be gaining strength. The precious metal has broken above the 50-day Simple Moving Average (SMA), indicating a bullish bias. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) remains in overbought territory, suggesting that buying momentum is strong.
Key Resistance and Support Levels
- Resistance: $2,700, $2,790 (record high)
- Support: $2,650, $2,600, $2,580-$2,590 (100-day SMA and trendline confluence), $2,536 (November 14 low)
Also Read: Gold Prices Surge Amid Geopolitical Tensions, China’s Gold Purchases, and Fed Rate Cut Expectations
In conclusion, gold prices have surged on a combination of factors, including Fed rate cut expectations, geopolitical tensions, and strong technical indicators. While short-term volatility may persist due to upcoming economic data releases, the overall trend for gold remains bullish, with the potential for further upside in the near future.