Gold (XAU/USD) attracts some dip-buyers near the $3,620 area during the Asian session on Wednesday, and for now, seems to have stalled its retracement slide from the all-time peak touched the previous day. The growing acceptance that the US Federal Reserve (Fed) will lower borrowing costs next week and deliver three rate cuts by the end of this year continues to offer support to the non-yielding yellow metal. Apart from this, persistent trade-related uncertainties, rising geopolitical tensions, and French and Japanese political jitters turn out to be other factors benefiting the safe-haven commodity.
Meanwhile, the US Dollar (USD) is seen building on the previous day's recovery move from its lowest level since July 28 amid some repositioning trade ahead of the crucial US inflation figures. Apart from this, a generally positive tone around the equity markets might keep a lid on any meaningful appreciating move for the Gold price. Nevertheless, the fundamental backdrop seems tilted in favor of the XAU/USD bulls, suggesting that any corrective pullback might still be seen as a buying opportunity. Traders now look forward to the release of the US Producer Price Index (PPI) for some impetus later today.
From a technical perspective, the daily Relative Strength Index (RSI) remains in overbought territory and makes it prudent to wait for some near-term consolidation or a further pullback before any further move higher. That said, the $3,600 round-figure mark could protect the immediate downside. This is followed by the weekly low, around the $3,580 region, below which the Gold price could extend the corrective slide towards the $3,565-3,560 intermediate support en route to last Thursday's swing low, around the $3,510 region.
On the flip side, the $3,640-3,645 zone could act as an immediate hurdle ahead of the all-time peak, around the $3,675 area touched the previous day. Some follow-through buying could allow the Gold price to build on the recent breakout momentum and aim towards conquering the $3,700 round figure. The broader technical setup, however, suggests that bulls might refrain from placing aggressive bets, suggesting that the said handle could act as a strong near-term barrier for the XAU/USD pair.
Gold has played a key role in human’s history as it has been widely used as a store of value and medium of exchange. Currently, apart from its shine and usage for jewelry, the precious metal is widely seen as a safe-haven asset, meaning that it is considered a good investment during turbulent times. Gold is also widely seen as a hedge against inflation and against depreciating currencies as it doesn’t rely on any specific issuer or government.
Central banks are the biggest Gold holders. In their aim to support their currencies in turbulent times, central banks tend to diversify their reserves and buy Gold to improve the perceived strength of the economy and the currency. High Gold reserves can be a source of trust for a country’s solvency. Central banks added 1,136 tonnes of Gold worth around $70 billion to their reserves in 2022, according to data from the World Gold Council. This is the highest yearly purchase since records began. Central banks from emerging economies such as China, India and Turkey are quickly increasing their Gold reserves.
Gold has an inverse correlation with the US Dollar and US Treasuries, which are both major reserve and safe-haven assets. When the Dollar depreciates, Gold tends to rise, enabling investors and central banks to diversify their assets in turbulent times. Gold is also inversely correlated with risk assets. A rally in the stock market tends to weaken Gold price, while sell-offs in riskier markets tend to favor the precious metal.
The price can move due to a wide range of factors. Geopolitical instability or fears of a deep recession can quickly make Gold price escalate due to its safe-haven status. As a yield-less asset, Gold tends to rise with lower interest rates, while higher cost of money usually weighs down on the yellow metal. Still, most moves depend on how the US Dollar (USD) behaves as the asset is priced in dollars (XAU/USD). A strong Dollar tends to keep the price of Gold controlled, whereas a weaker Dollar is likely to push Gold prices up.