empty
21.06.2023 12:41 PM
Gold: Will consolidation be ending soon?

The fewer clouds gather in the sky of the U.S. economy, the worse it is for gold. The precious metal continues to trade in a narrow range and awaits cues from Jerome Powell. Gold is ready to react sensitively to the words of the Fed Chairman, but in reality, monetary policy will depend on incoming data. And the current statistics suggest that the risks of a decline in XAU/USD quotes appear higher than the likelihood of their growth.

There is ample evidence that the U.S. economy is improving, not worsening. The leading indicator GDPNow from the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta signals that GDP will grow by 2% in the second quarter, which is much higher than the expected contraction of the economy forecasted by Bloomberg experts in April. Preliminary data from the University of Michigan indicate improving consumer sentiment and slowing inflation expectations. Even the real estate market, which is very sensitive to interest rates, shows signs of life.

A soft landing looms on the horizon, and that's bad news for gold. The main drivers of its rally in 2022–2023 were the armed conflict in Ukraine, fears of a recession and inflation, as well as tense relations between the U.S. and China. And while geopolitics has not lost its power, slowing prices and decreasing the likelihood of a downturn make the "bullish" positions on XAU/USD vulnerable.

However, there are plenty of optimists in the market. According to Bloomberg Economics, the most aggressive tightening of the Fed's monetary policy will trigger a deep recession in the second half of 2023. As a result, gold will not only break through $2,000 but also soar to a new record of $3,000 per ounce. Central bank activity and physical demand will support it.

Unfortunately, for now, in my opinion, such a scenario seems unreal. Yes, central banks made record purchases of precious metals in 2022, totaling 1,136 tons. However, in the first quarter, the figure dropped to a modest 228 tons. Against the backdrop of China's slower-than-expected economic recovery, the activity of retail gold sellers is declining.

Dynamics of retail gold sales in China

This image is no longer relevant

Without support from the physical asset market, "bulls" on XAU/USD will struggle to cope with the Fed's aggressive "hawkish" rhetoric, especially since the dynamics of ETF holdings leave much to be desired.

This image is no longer relevant

Strong macroeconomic statistics from the United States will continue to hit the precious metal. It will convince investors of the economy's resilience and allow the Fed to do what it forecasts: raise the federal funds rate by a total of 50 basis points in two FOMC meetings this year. Fears that Jerome Powell will appear before Congress in "hawkish" suit are troubling the "bulls" on XAU/USD.

Technically, the daily chart of gold still shows the pattern of Spike and Ledge. The sentiment remains "bearish" as the quotes are below the moving averages. In such a situation, selling opportunities will arise either with a breakout of the lower boundary of the consolidation range at $1,930–$1,970 per ounce or a rebound from the EMA near $1,950 and $1,956.

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

AUD/USD: Analysis and Forecast

The AUD/USD pair continues its sideways consolidation, remaining within a familiar range near the key psychological level of 0.6300. This movement is driven by several factors impacting global market sentiment

Irina Yanina 11:16 2025-03-28 UTC+2

EUR/USD. Analysis and Forecast

Today, the EUR/USD pair is consolidating near the key psychological level of 1.0800, showing no intention of retreating below 1.0780 as traders and investors await the release of the U.S

Irina Yanina 10:45 2025-03-28 UTC+2

Markets at a Crossroads Ahead of Tariff Announcement by D. Trump (Possible Decline in CFD Contracts on #SPX and #NDX Futures)

Markets are now fully convinced that the U.S. President will follow through on his plans to implement severe customs tariffs aimed at closing the domestic market and, in doing

Pati Gani 10:39 2025-03-28 UTC+2

Markets Have Found the Culprits

If you don't get it the first time, you will the second. The S&P 500 sell-off, led by U.S. and foreign automaker shares, continued a second day after the imposition

Marek Petkovich 08:19 2025-03-28 UTC+2

What to Pay Attention to on March 28? A Breakdown of Fundamental Events for Beginners

A fair number of macroeconomic events are scheduled for Friday, but we believe they will likely trigger only a localized market reaction. The UK will publish Q4 GDP data

Paolo Greco 06:26 2025-03-28 UTC+2

GBP/USD Pair Overview – March 28: The Pound Barely Fell Before Rising Again

The GBP/USD currency pair traded higher again on Thursday, even though a semblance of a downward correction had begun just a few days earlier. The market had already digested

Paolo Greco 03:00 2025-03-28 UTC+2

EUR/USD Pair Overview – March 28: Donald Trump Loves Surprises

The EUR/USD currency pair maintained its downward bias on Thursday, although it traded higher throughout the day. Volatility remained low once again, indicating weak market activity. However, traders had enough

Paolo Greco 03:00 2025-03-28 UTC+2

EUR/USD. Trump Sends the Dollar into Knockdown Again

The EUR/USD pair is experiencing a correction following Donald Trump's latest statements, as he has once again reignited the tariff war. Interestingly, the greenback initially reacted positively to the president's

Irina Manzenko 23:44 2025-03-27 UTC+2

Gold Knows the Path to Victory

Gold was not a market favorite following Donald Trump's victory in the November elections. In fact, it pulled back once the red wave became clear and the Republican's return

Marek Petkovich 10:55 2025-03-27 UTC+2

XAU/USD – Analysis and Forecast

Gold continues to hold its intraday gains, trading near the weekly high around the $3036 level. This is due to several factors, including uncertainty surrounding U.S. trade policy

Irina Yanina 10:44 2025-03-27 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.