GOLD Price Analysis – March 14, 2024
Daily Price Outlook
Despite increasing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, the price of gold (XAU/USD) failed to extend its previous gains and turned bearish around below the $2,165 mark. This bearish trend can be attributed to the Fed's hawkish outlook, which tends to support the US dollar and contributing to gold's losses. The Federal Reserve might delay interest rate cuts due to high inflation in the US, as rising inflation often leads central banks to avoid lowering rates to prevent further inflationary pressure.
Apart from this, the current market mood favoring riskier investments has pushed down gold prices. Investors are opting for assets with higher potential returns rather than safer options like gold, causing its prices to drop. However, this trend might not last long. If tensions increase in the Middle East, demand for safe-haven assets like gold could rise again, leading to a rebound in its price. Additionally, uncertainty about the Federal Reserve's future interest rate decisions could also prevent gold prices from falling significantly lower.
Impact of High Inflation on the US Economy and Financial Markets
On the US front, the broad-based US dollar got stronger because people think the Federal Reserve might not cut interest rates soon. This is because a recent report showed that prices are going up in the US, meaning inflation is staying high. When inflation is high, the Fed might not want to lower interest rates because that could make inflation even higher. The expectation of delayed interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve, due to high inflation, led to a stronger dollar and limited upward movement in gold prices.
On the data front, the latest US Consumer Price Index (CPI) report indicated a slight increase in inflation, with February's year-over-year rise at 3.2%, slightly higher than expected. The Core CPI, which excludes volatile food and energy prices, was also higher than anticipated at 3.8%. This suggests that inflation is going up, which can impact how much people can buy and the overall economy.
Impact of Risk-On Market Sentiment on Gold Prices
On the other hand, the risk-on-market sentiment has played a major role in undermining the safe-haven gold price as investors may prefer riskier assets over safe havens like gold, reducing its appeal and leading to price declines. However, the risk-on market sentiment was backed by the upbeat US inflation data and Fed's hawkish outlook, which positively impacts market sentiment by signaling confidence in the economy, leading to increased investment and a stronger dollar.
Geopolitical Tensions Drive Interest in Gold
On the geopolitical front, investors are expressing ongoing worries about the potential fallout from the prolonged conflicts between Russia and Ukraine, as well as the Israel-Hamas tension. These concerns are driving interest in precious metals like gold, which are traditionally seen as safe-haven assets during times of uncertainty. Russian President Vladimir Putin's recent remarks, suggesting readiness for a nuclear war if the US were to send troops to Ukraine, have escalated tensions further. Meanwhile, in the Middle East, Israeli attacks on locations including a UN aid distribution center in Rafah and Hezbollah fighters in the Bekaa Valley are exacerbating regional instability.
Therefore, the ongoing conflicts between Russia and Ukraine, along with tensions in the Middle East, are driving interest in gold as a safe-haven asset as geopolitical instability typically increases demand for gold, which could lead to an increase in its price.
GOLD (XAU/USD) - Technical Analysis
On March 14, gold experienced a slight decline, closing at $2,168.425, marking a 0.29% drop. This movement occurred amid mixed signals from technical indicators and key price levels that offer insights into potential future movements.
The pivot point for gold stands at $2,178, acting as a critical threshold for determining the metal's short-term direction. Resistance levels are mapped out at $2,197, $2,219, and $2,244, indicating potential points where upward momentum might face obstacles. Conversely, support levels are identified at $2,151, $2,131, and $2,111, which could provide floors for price dips.
Technical indicators present a nuanced view. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) at 54 suggests a neutral to slightly bullish sentiment among traders. Meanwhile, the 50-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA) at $2,146 supports an underlying upward trend. However, a double top formation near the $2,178 mark and a bearish engulfing candlestick pattern on the 4-hour timeframe signal caution, indicating possible selling pressure ahead.
Given these dynamics, the overall trend leans towards a cautious bearish outlook in the immediate term. Traders might consider a selling strategy below $2,177, targeting a take-profit level at $2,150, with a stop loss set at $2,196 to manage risk.
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