empty
28.08.2024 11:18 AM
Gold Will Shed Weight

Nothing lasts forever. Any trend needs a correction. Gold consumption in China's jewelry industry fell 27% in the first half of 2024, as the biggest problem became the rise in prices to record peaks with almost no pullbacks. Total demand for the precious metal fell by 5.6% to 523.8 tons. Where there is a void, the West is gradually replacing the East, but this does not mean a correction in XAU/USD won't happen.

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's fiery speech at Jackson Hole about the imminent start of monetary easing by the US central bank allowed gold to set a new record, but then a natural process of selling on facts began. The XAU/USD quotes already account for the Fed's varying pace of rate cuts compared to other central banks, so the ideal environment for the precious metal may deteriorate. We are talking about the dollar's weakness and falling US Treasury bond yields.

This combination allowed asset managers to increase their net long positions in gold to the highest levels in four years. Holdings of the world's largest specialized exchange-traded fund, SPDR Gold Shares, have been rising for eight consecutive weeks, the longest period of capital inflow since mid-2020.

Gold Dynamics and ETF Holdings

This image is no longer relevant

However, excessive speculative longs may become a thorn in gold's side. Their unwinding at the first sign of trouble could lead to quotes declining below the $2500 per ounce mark. Especially since the market increasingly realizes that the Fed's anticipated scale of monetary easing, as implied by derivatives, is clearly overstated. A 100 basis point cut in the federal funds rate in 2024 could still be explained by a recession. However, how can there be a recession when US consumer confidence soars to a six-month high?

Yes, in 2023 and the first half of 2024, the precious metal made gains even amidst a rising dollar and increasing US Treasury yields. Back then, it was supported by active purchases from central banks and strong demand from Asia, led by China. But now, with gold in Shanghai trading at a discount to London, relying on this support no longer makes sense.

Dynamics of American Consumer Confidence

This image is no longer relevant

The US dollar can capitalize on the uncertainty surrounding the US presidential election and geopolitics. The situation in the Middle East remains tense, and the USD index may rise due to increased demand for safe-haven assets.

This image is no longer relevant

At the same time, the long-term outlook for the precious metal remains bullish. By the end of 2025, the federal funds rate could fall to 3.5% amid a slowdown in the US economy. Demand in China is expected to recover gradually, and ETF holdings will increase.

Technically, on the daily chart of gold, the combination of the Three Indians and 1-2-3 patterns increases the risk of a correction. If the bulls fail to push quotes above $2515 per ounce, the risks of a continued decline will increase. It makes sense to hold shorts formed from this level.

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

USD/JPY. Analysis and Forecast

Today, following the release of data showing a February slowdown in the national Consumer Price Index (CPI), the Japanese yen continues to trade with a negative tone, creating uncertainty

Irina Yanina 11:07 2025-03-21 UTC+2

US stock market getting ready for zero hour

The Federal Reserve has done all it can to calm the markets, but in 2025, the spotlight has shifted away from the central bank. The S&P 500 has brushed

Marek Petkovich 09:20 2025-03-21 UTC+2

What to Pay Attention to on March 21? A Breakdown of Fundamental Events for Beginners

There are no scheduled macroeconomic events for Friday. The euro and the pound have finally declined against the U.S. dollar. The Federal Reserve has done its part to calm

Paolo Greco 06:06 2025-03-21 UTC+2

GBP/USD Pair Overview – March 21: The Bank of England Had No Impact on the Current Situation

The GBP/USD currency pair traded very calmly on Thursday, as on Wednesday evening. As the chart below clearly shows, volatility has recently dropped to noticeably low levels. What

Paolo Greco 04:16 2025-03-21 UTC+2

EUR/USD Pair Overview – March 21: Markets Panicked in Vain, but That Doesn't Help the Dollar

The EUR/USD currency pair began showing a semblance of a downward correction between Wednesday and Thursday. The price has consolidated below the moving average on the 4-hour chart, but it's

Paolo Greco 04:16 2025-03-21 UTC+2

The Outlook for the Japanese Yen Remains Confidently Bullish

The Bank of Japan (BoJ) kept interest rates unchanged on Wednesday, and the market reacted neutrally, as this outcome was widely expected. BoJ Governor Kazuo Ueda stated that the risk

Kuvat Raharjo 23:46 2025-03-20 UTC+2

The Dollar Takes Back Its Own

Markets shoot first and ask questions later. Upon hearing Jerome Powell's assurance that the Federal Reserve had everything under control and that there would be no recession, U.S. stock indices

Marek Petkovich 23:45 2025-03-20 UTC+2

XAU/USD. Analysis and Forecast

Gold is experiencing a slight decline after reaching a new all-time high, remaining in a defensive stance. Currently, bullish traders are exercising caution, as indicated by overbought conditions

Irina Yanina 10:29 2025-03-20 UTC+2

Fed's message music to bulls' ears

The Fed is not throwing a lifeline to the S&P 500, but does it need one? Lifelines are for those drowning, while the market is merely spooked by a fleeting

Marek Petkovich 09:05 2025-03-20 UTC+2

Markets Are Stuck in a Vicious Circle with No Exit in Sight (Potential Decline for Bitcoin and Gold Prices)

The markets are currently experiencing significant shock due to a prevailing negative sentiment that looms over them like a heavy burden, with no resolution in sight. Given this situation

Pati Gani 08:23 2025-03-20 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.