The Gold price (XAU/USD) attracts some buyers near $3,375 during the Asian trading hours on Tuesday. The precious metal edges higher amid concerns about the US Federal Reserve’s (Fed) independence after the report that US President Donald Trump says he is removing Fed Governor Lisa Cook. Additionally, signs that the US central bank will resume cutting interest rates provide some support to the yellow metal, as lower interest rates could reduce the opportunity cost of holding Gold.
Looking ahead, the US Conference Board’s Consumer Confidence, Durable Goods Orders and the Richmond Fed Manufacturing Index reports are due later on Tuesday. Later this week, the key US economic data will be released, including Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for the second quarter and Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) Price Index data for July. If the report shows stronger-than-expected growth or any signs of hotter inflation, this might boost the Greenback and weigh on the USD-denominated commodity price.
The Gold price trades in positive territory on the day. According to the daily chart, the positive outlook of the precious metal remains intact as the price holds above the key 100-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA). The upward momentum is supported by the 14-day Relative Strength Index (RSI), which stands above the midline near 55.0. This displays bullish momentum in the near term.
On the bright side, the key upside barrier for Gold emerges in the $3,400-3,410 zone, representing the psychological level, the upper boundary of the Bollinger Band, and the high of August 8. Extended gains could pave the way to $3,439, the high of July 23. The next resistance level is seen at $3,500, the round figure, and the high of April 22.
In the bearish event, the initial support level for the yellow metal is located at $3,325, the low of August 21. A breach of this level could see a drop to $3,285, the lower limit of the Bollinger Band. The crucial contention level to watch is $3,270, the 100-day EMA.
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.