Gold Prices Dip to Three-Week Low Amid Diminishing Safe-Haven Demand
Gold (XAU) prices dropped to their three-week low, nearing the 1,950 level on Wednesday, as the initial surge in demand for this safe-haven asset, driven by the conflict in the Middle East, began to diminish.
Federal Reserve officials who addressed this week's market retained a neutral stance regarding the next move of the U.S. central bank, emphasizing their attention to economic data and the effects of rising long-term bond yields. In his prepared remarks at a conference on Wednesday, Powell refrained from discussing monetary policy or economic forecasts. He is set to speak again at a different conference later in the day. According to the CME FedWatch Tool, futures indicate approximately a 14% probability of an additional rate increase by January, while suggesting an 18% likelihood of rate reductions beginning as soon as March. Reduced interest rates enhance the attractiveness of non-yielding gold.
During the Asian trading window, XAU/USD saw an uptick but experienced a decline in the early hours of the European session. Today, traders should focus on a string of macroeconomic reports from the U.S. as they will likely drive gold's price in the near term. Some volatility could be triggered by the release of weekly Jobless Claims data. Then, market participants are awaiting Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's speech again today at 7:00 p.m. UTC for clues on the U.S. interest rates. His comments could influence gold prices; increased rate hikes or a prolonged tight monetary stance may depress them, while a softer stance could enhance their value.
Euro Stabilises With Hawkish Policy Comments and Reduced Energy Prices.
On Wednesday, the euro saw a slight rise against the dollar, buoyed by hawkish comments from European officials and the anticipation of declining energy prices.
Yesterday, European financial leaders recognized a slowdown in economic growth over recent months, yet dismissed the likelihood of a steep recession. Paschal Donohoe, President of the Eurogroup, an informal assembly of ministers from eurozone countries, stated at the conclusion of a meeting reviewing Europe's economic condition, 'The euro area continues to remain resilient and there is no reason to expect a deep or a protracted recession'. He further noted that while the group acknowledges the risks stemming from global developments, there's also evidence of a slowdown in economic momentum. However, he pointed out that data indicates a decline in inflation and the continued strength of the labor market.
EUR/USD was essentially unchanged during the Asian and early European sessions. Markets await guidance, focusing on Fed Chair Jay Powell's upcoming second-day commentary for clues on the end of U.S. rate hikes.