GOLD Price Analysis – July 31, 2024

Daily Price Outlook

Gold prices (XAU/USD) continued their early-day upward momentum, staying well-supported around the $2,416 level and reaching an intra-day high of $2,425. The bullish trend in gold is primarily driven by a weaker US dollar, which has lost traction amid expectations of the Federal Reserve beginning a rate-cutting cycle in September.

Additionally, geopolitical tensions have heightened following an Israeli attack on Lebanon's capital in retaliation for a rocket strike in the Golan Heights. The increasing risk of further conflict in the Middle East has bolstered gold's safe-haven appeal.

Furthermore, concerns over sluggish global economic growth have also contributed to the upward pressure on gold prices.

Weakening US Dollar and Mixed Economic Data Boost Gold Prices Amid Fed Rate Cut Expectations

On the US front, the broad-based US dollar declined as many investors believed the Federal Reserve might begin cutting interest rates in September. Although the US dollar saw a brief uptick in response to positive macroeconomic data, the momentum quickly dissipated amid expectations of an imminent rate-cutting cycle.

On the data front, the US reported 8.18 million job openings in June, slightly down from 8.23 million in May but above the expected 8.03 million. Additionally, the Consumer Confidence Index rose to 100.3 in July from a revised 97.8 in June, reflecting continued optimism about the job market.

Therefore, the weakening US dollar and mixed economic data, coupled with expectations of the Federal Reserve beginning rate cuts soon, are likely to support higher gold prices. Investors are turning to safe-haven assets like gold amid uncertain interest rate and economic conditions.

Gold Prices Surge Amid Escalating Middle East Tensions and Global Economic Uncertainty

On the geopolitical front, escalating tensions in the Middle East have driven gold prices to a one-week high. The Israeli military's attack on Beirut, targeting a Hezbollah commander in response to a rocket strike, has heightened fears of a broader conflict.

This increased geopolitical risk, combined with a slight pullback in the US dollar and concerns about a global economic slowdown, has led investors to seek refuge in gold as a safe-haven asset.

Meanwhile, economic data from Europe and China also impacted gold prices. Germany's economy unexpectedly contracted by 0.1% in the second quarter, reversing earlier growth, while China's manufacturing sector shrank for the third consecutive month in July, with the services sector showing only modest growth.

These global economic uncertainties have further enhanced gold's appeal as a protective investment amidst fluctuating economic conditions and geopolitical instability.

GOLD (XAU/USD) - Technical Analysis

Gold (XAU/USD) is trading at $2417.835, up 0.28% on the day. The 4-hour chart shows a strong bullish momentum, with prices surpassing the pivot point at $2415.905.

Immediate resistance is noted at $2432.609, with subsequent resistance levels at $2451.437 and $2475.643. On the downside, immediate support is observed at $2385.740, followed by $2369.345 and $2353.647.

Technical indicators suggest a bullish bias. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) is at 64, indicating positive momentum but still below overbought levels, suggesting there is room for further gains.

The 50-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA) stands at $2415, supporting the bullish outlook. The recommended trade setup is to enter a buy limit at $2415, with a take profit target at $2440 and a stop loss at $2400, reflecting a favorable risk-to-reward ratio.

The overall technical picture remains positive for gold as long as prices stay above the pivot point at $2415.905. A sustained move above immediate resistance at $2432.609 could open the path towards the next resistance levels at $2451.437 and $2475.643.

Conversely, a break below immediate support at $2385.740 may signal a potential shift in the short-term trend, targeting the next support levels.

In conclusion, the technical outlook for gold remains bullish above $2415.905.

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