Gold prices remain steady as investors anticipate Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell’s upcoming speech and the U.S. Non-Farm Payrolls data. Geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainties continue to support safe-haven demand for gold, while higher U.S. yields exert downward pressure. Key economic events this week include JOLTs Job Openings, ADP Employment Change, and the Non-Farm Payrolls report.
On the back of the upbeat CB Consumer Confidence reading of 100.4, several Fed governors issued hawkish comments on upcoming monetary policy, which ultimately bolstered the dollar's strength. Despite the Fed's hawkish outlook, the U.S. equity market rallied, driven by Nvidia, the AI bellwether company, which rose approximately 7%, fueling gains in the Nasdaq and S&P 500
U.S. bond yields rose, and the dollar recovered after hawkish Fed comments, causing gold prices to fall from $2,334. The Fed expects high inflation to persist, delaying rate cuts. Traders await the PCE Price Index. Gold's next support is $2,300, with potential declines to $2,277 and $2,222. Recovery to $2,350 targets resistance at $2,387 and $2,400, but the bearish trend holds below $2,340.10, aiming for $2,272.06.
Bank of Japan board members are divided on rate hikes due to high living costs and price risks. Some urge caution, while others push for early action. The BoJ will closely monitor data ahead of potential interest rate adjustments. USD/JPY rallied past 158.40 to 159.00, maintaining a bullish trend towards the next target of 160.20.
XAU/USD is forecasted to decline within a familiar range amid expectations of Federal Reserve rate cuts in September and December, influenced by weak U.S. retail sales and lower Treasury yields. Resistance is at $2,344-$2,345 (50-day SMA), with potential targets at $2,360-$2,400. Support levels include $2,300, $2,285, and possibly $2,254-$2,253 if downtrend persists. Traders await further Fed signals cautiously.
The AUD/USD is expected to rise due to a softer US Dollar, improved risk sentiment, and the hawkish stance of the RBA, which kept rates at 4.35% and indicated potential near-term hikes. Technically, breaking above 0.6640 could push the pair to 0.6770, despite resistance from the 50, 100, and 200 SMAs on the 4-hour chart and challenges from China's sluggish economy. Key support is at 0.6521.
The USD/JPY is expected to rise. The Bank of Japan will keep interest rates between 0 and 0.1% and continue its bond purchase plan but may reduce purchases and raise rates in July based on economic data. Technically, the pair is trending upward with resistance at $158.25 and $158.44, and support at $157.00, $156.16, and $155.93.
The Federal Reserve is expected to keep interest rates unchanged, which could support the US dollar and pressure gold prices if a hawkish stance is taken. Gold prices continue to decline after breaking an upward wedge pattern, with a key support level at $2250. The 14-day RSI indicates further potential decline unless prices recover above the 50-day and 21-day moving averages.
Dow Jones Falls 1%, S&P 500 Drops 1.3%, and Nasdaq 100 Slides 1.4%
A major move in USD following the Federal Reserves updated monetary policy stance on Wednesday risks sparking volatility across the currency market.
Regional stock markets had like many others looked forward to the prospect of lower US interest rates. Now that has apparently dimmed, a little rethink is necessary.