empty
28.02.2024 10:11 AM
Gold will be under pressure if Fed cuts rates later than June

Each generation has its idols. If at the end of the 20th century, everyone was crazy about gold, then at the beginning of the 21st century, digital assets took its place. The rapid rise of Bitcoin to record highs since 2021 has overshadowed the appeal of precious metals. In the ETF market, there is a capital shift towards cryptocurrencies, and speculators are getting rid of their gold positions. For example, by the week of February 20th, long positions on COMEX decreased by 1,802 to 98,840 contracts, and shorts decreased by 1,7549 to 48,917 contracts.

While Bitcoin is still very young, and investors cannot clearly determine the factors shaping its dynamics, it's a different story with precious metals. They have been traded for decades, and the relationship between XAU/USD, the U.S. dollar exchange rate, and real yields on Treasury bonds has been studied. Gold is considered an inflation hedge. However, in reality, the intermediate link is the monetary policy of the Federal Reserve System.

Dynamics of Gold and U.S. Treasury Bond Yields

This image is no longer relevant

During periods of rising federal fund rates, precious metals usually lose their appeal as the dollar strengthens simultaneously with the increase in U.S. Treasury bond yields. However, in 2022–2023, when these processes were occurring, gold showed remarkable resilience. This was due to record central bank purchases that overshadowed the capital outflow from ETFs.

In 2024, bulls on XAU/USD were in an upbeat mood. If the tightening of the Federal Reserve's monetary policy is supposed to lead to a decline in quotes, its easing should be a reason for purchases. Optimistic forecasts were abundant, with figures reaching $2,400 per ounce and even $3,000. Unfortunately, the actual start was disappointing. Gold briefly dropped below $2,000 per ounce, but managed to recover.

Dynamics of Gold and the U.S. Dollar

This image is no longer relevant

As winter comes to an end, market forecasts regarding the federal fund rate align with FOMC's December estimates. This means that the U.S. dollar has lost its main advantage, theoretically giving the green light to gold. In reality, gold is not rushing to rise because the U.S. economy is robust, and Federal Reserve officials increasingly talk about lowering the federal fund rate only by the end of 2024.

This image is no longer relevant

If expectations for the start of the Federal Reserve's monetary policy easing shift from June to a later period, the U.S. dollar will gain a new growth driver, negatively impacting XAU/USD. Clues may come from the release of U.S. inflation data in the form of PCE, eagerly awaited by the markets. Acceleration in the personal consumption expenditures index could revive the idea of monetary restriction, which is bad news for precious metals.

Technically, on the daily chart of gold, consolidation near the fair value at $2,034 per ounce is taking place. A drop in quotes below support at $2,025 would allow gold to form a reversal pattern 1-2-3. Its combination with the Three Indians pattern would provide a basis for medium-term purchases on a bounce from the $2,000–2,010 range.

Marek Petkovich,
Analytical expert of InstaForex
© 2007-2025
Select timeframe
5
min
15
min
30
min
1
hour
4
hours
1
day
1
week
Earn on cryptocurrency rate changes with InstaForex
Download MetaTrader 4 and open your first trade
  • Grand Choice
    Contest by
    InstaForex
    InstaForex always strives to help you
    fulfill your biggest dreams.
    JOIN CONTEST

Recommended Stories

Bitcoin caught in bull trap

The bottom shows no strength, the top has no desire. Even the so-called "smart money" is not rushing to buy Bitcoin, citing a confluence of negative factors. Tepid trading activity

Marek Petkovich 15:58 2025-04-01 UTC+2

USD/JPY. Analysis and Forecast

Today, the USD/JPY pair is struggling to benefit from a slight intraday upward movement, especially amid expectations that the Bank of Japan may raise interest rates at a faster pace

Irina Yanina 11:37 2025-04-01 UTC+2

US stock market: bad news fully priced in

The S&P 500 had its worst quarter in three years. Investors are shifting capital from North America to Europe. Once-booming US tech stocks have collapsed. Major banks and respected institutions

Marek Petkovich 09:13 2025-04-01 UTC+2

April to play crucial role in Europe's gas future

Europe's gas sector is entering a critical phase, as the end of the heating season sets the stage for refilling storage facilities, which are now two-thirds empty after the winter

Miroslaw Bawulski 13:01 2025-03-31 UTC+2

WTI – West Texas Intermediate. Prices Lack Support for Growth

West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil prices are attempting to attract buyers, but the market remains in a state of uncertainty. Concerns over President Trump's aggressive trade tariffs are putting

Irina Yanina 12:39 2025-03-31 UTC+2

EUR/USD. Analysis and Forecast

At the start of the new week during the Asian session, the EUR/USD pair attempted to attract buyers, but this was unsuccessful. The euro received support from easing concerns about

Irina Yanina 12:35 2025-03-31 UTC+2

US stock market runs into trouble

Rumors about mutual tariffs and another blow to consumer confidence triggered the second-worst sell-off of the S&P 500 this year. Investors are still holding piles of US stocks

Marek Petkovich 10:58 2025-03-31 UTC+2

EUR/USD. Hello, April: Eurozone Inflation Report, ISM Indices, and Nonfarm Payrolls

The first week of every month is the most informative for EUR/USD traders. The economic calendar traditionally includes a report on inflation growth in the eurozone, American ISM indices

Irina Manzenko 06:28 2025-03-31 UTC+2

GBP/USD Pair Overview – March 31: Nonfarm Payrolls, Trump, and Unemployment May Create New Problems for the Dollar

The GBP/USD currency pair continued to trade sideways near its highs on Friday. This sideways movement has persisted for several weeks, and the British pound has not managed even

Paolo Greco 06:24 2025-03-31 UTC+2

EUR/USD Pair Overview – March 31: A New Week of Trials for the Dollar

The EUR/USD currency pair rose again on Friday. As we can see, the correction against the upward trend of recent weeks ended very quickly. But that's no surprise, given that

Paolo Greco 06:24 2025-03-31 UTC+2
Can't speak right now?
Ask your question in the chat.
Widget callback
 

Dear visitor,

Your IP address shows that you are currently located in the USA. If you are a resident of the United States, you are prohibited from using the services of InstaFintech Group including online trading, online transfers, deposit/withdrawal of funds, etc.

If you think you are seeing this message by mistake and your location is not the US, kindly proceed to the website. Otherwise, you must leave the website in order to comply with government restrictions.

Why does your IP address show your location as the USA?

  • - you are using a VPN provided by a hosting company based in the United States;
  • - your IP does not have proper WHOIS records;
  • - an error occurred in the WHOIS geolocation database.

Please confirm whether you are a US resident or not by clicking the relevant button below. If you choose the wrong option, being a US resident, you will not be able to open an account with InstaForex anyway.

We are sorry for any inconvenience caused by this message.