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Gold (XAU/USD) Hits Record High of $2465/oz Despite Positive US Retail Sales Data

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  • Gold prices reach a new record high of $2465/oz, driven by post-CPI and rate cut optimism.
  • Despite a resurgent US Dollar, gold’s upward momentum remains strong, briefly dipping before rallying to new highs.
  • June’s US retail sales figures and an upward revision of May’s data had minimal impact on gold’s rally and market expectations for Fed rate cuts.

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Gold prices continue to ride the wave of post-CPI and rate cut optimism as the precious metal nears its previous all-time high around the $2450/oz mark.

This surge comes despite a resurgent US Dollar index, bolstered by recent events and positive US retail sales data. Initially, the strength in the US Dollar index seemed poised to cap gold prices, but this pressure failed to materialize. Gold briefly dipped to a low of $2429.45 before rallying to fresh daily highs at $2458.05.

June’s US retail sales numbers remained unchanged, but an upward revision of May’s figure to 0.3% temporarily paused gold’s rally. Nonetheless, the report did little to alter market expectations regarding Fed rate cuts, even as the US Dollar gained some strength.

Source: Refinitiv

The overall probability of a September rate cut has seen a slight increase, rising from 91.9% to 93.3%. Meanwhile, the DXY has rebounded from support at the 104.00 level but is currently facing resistance at the 200-day moving average, which stands at 104.42.

US Dollar Index Chart, July 16, 2024

Source: TradingView (click to enlarge)

The Week Ahead: Fed Policymakers to Push Back on Rate Cut Bets?

The economic calendar for the upcoming week is light on high-impact US economic data. The main focus will be on Federal Reserve speakers, with several policymakers scheduled to address the public in the coming days.


For all market-moving economic releases and events (GMT-Time), see the MarketPulse Economic Calendar.  (click to enlarge)

For the US Dollar to sustain its recovery following last week’s selloff, Fed policymakers will need to adopt a distinctly hawkish tone.

In contrast, gold appears to be on an unstoppable upward trajectory. With minimal price action to analyze, it is challenging to predict where this rally might encounter resistance.

Technical Analysis

From a technical standpoint, Gold is now in uncharted territory. The break above previous all-time highs at $2450/oz makes that a key level of support. 

If the $2450/oz continues to hold then further gains are the most likely outcome. Psychological and round numbers are always key for Gold so keep a watch on $2475 and of course the psychological $2500/oz handles.

Alternatively, a break below $2450 brings $2432 support into focus before the psychological $2400 maybe revisited once more. 

Support

  • 2450
  • 2432
  • 2400

Resistance

  • 2475
  • 2500

XAU/USD Daily Chart, July 16, 2024

Source: TradingView.com (click to enlarge)

Follow Zain on Twitter/X for Additional Market News and Insights @zvawda

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Zain Vawda

Zain Vawda

Market Analyst at OANDA
Zain is an experienced financial markets analyst and educator with a rich tapestry of experience in the world of retail forex, economics, and market analysis. Initially starting out in a sales and business development role, his passion for economics and technical analysis propelled him towards a career as an analyst.

He has spent the last 3 years in an analyst role honing his skills across various financial domains, including technical analysis, economic data interpretation, price action strategies, and analyzing the geopolitical impacts on global markets. Currently, Zain is advancing in obtaining his Capital Markets & Security Analyst (CMSA) designation through the Corporate Finance Institute (CFI), where he has completed modules in fixed income fundamentals, portfolio management fundamentals, equity market fundamentals, introduction to capital markets, and derivative fundamentals.

He is also a regular guest on radio and television programs in South Africa, providing insight into global markets and the economy. Additionally, he has contributed to the development of a financial markets course approved by BankSeta (Banking Sector Education and Training Authority) at NQF level 6 in South Africa.
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