May 06
2024

Gold rebounds above $2,310 after downbeat NFP data, eyes on Fedspeak

Gold price trades in positive territory above $2,310 after closing the previous week in the red. The weaker-than-expected US employment data have boosted the odds of a September Fed rate cut, hurting the USD and helping XAU/USD find support.

Technical Overview

Gold price trades on a stronger note on the day. The bullish outlook of the precious metal remains intact, as XAU/USD is above the key 100-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA) on the daily chart. 

In the near term, the gold price has remained capped within a descending trend channel since mid-April, suggesting that further consolidation cannot be ruled out. Additionally, the 14-day Relative Strength Index (RSI) hovers around the 50 midline, indicating indecisiveness among market players. 

The first upside barrier for the yellow metal will emerge near the 100-EMA at $2,318. A decisive break above the mentioned level would resume the positive outlook in the short term. The next hurdle is seen at the $2,350–$2,355 region, portraying the confluence of a high of April 26 and the upper boundary of a descending trend channel. A bullish breakout above this level will expose the $2,400 mark en route to an all-time high near $2,432. 

On the downside, any follow-through selling below the $2,300 psychological mark will see a drop to a low of May 3 and the lower limit of a descending trend channel at $2,275. Further south, the next contention level is located near a low of April 1 at $2,228, followed by the $2,200 round mark. 

 
 

Fundamental Overview

Gold price (XAU/USD) snaps the two-day losing streak during the European session on Monday. The weaker-than-expected US employment reports have boosted the odds of a September rate cut from the US Federal Reserve (Fed). This, in turn, has dragged the US Dollar (USD) lower and lifted the USD-denominated gold. It’s worth noting that a lower interest rate can decrease the opportunity cost of investing in gold, leading to higher demand and price. 


On the other hand, the easing fear of geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, particularly the Iran-Israel conflict and the risk-on environment might undermine demand for safe-haven assets and cap the yellow metal’s upside. Gold traders will keep an eye on Fedspeak this week. Fed’s Thomas Barkin and John Williams are set to speak on Monday. The dovish message from Fed officials might further boost the XAU/USD.