Gold Pushing Up Again

Gold prices are turning higher today but the market remains well within the range which has framed price action over the last four months. Following a strong rally over Q1 gold prices have been stuck within a roughly 10% range down from those YTD highs printed in April. A mixture of uncertainty around Trump’s trade agenda, fluctuating geopolitical tensions and a changeable Fed outlook have combined to keep price hemmed in recently.

US Inflation & The Fed

This week, gold prices are turning higher again on the back of yesterday’s weaker-than-forecast US inflation data. Annualised headline CPI was seen holding at 2.7% last month, below the 2.8% lift the market was looking for. Against this backdrop, expectations of a Fed rate-cut next month have jumped to almost 100% with traders now pricing a more than 60% chance of a follow up cut in October. If this dovish Fed narrative develops further, particularly if fuelled by a decline in inflation form current levels, this could pave the way for a breakout move in gold, helped by a heavy decline in USD.

Russia Peace talks

However, an upside reaction is not necessarily straightforward given the upcoming meetings between Trump and Putin and then Zelensky. If traders get a sense that a peace deal is coming, this should drive risk assets sharply higher, weighing on gold via reduced safe-haven demand. If talks stumble, however. A weaker USD and heightened safe-haven mean for gold could e the perfect storm for a fresh bull run over Q3.

Technical Views

Gold

Price have rebounded firmly off the 3,254.65 level and are now once again putting pressure on the 3,426.44 level. With momentum studies pushing higher, focus is on a fresh upside break with 3,493.81 the next level to target ahead of new highs. To the downside, 3,254.65 remains the key support and pivot level to watch.