Gold Prices Surge: $2,725 Target in Sight Amid Geopolitical Risks
Arslan Butt•Friday, November 22, 2024•2 min read
Gold prices are heading for their strongest weekly gain in a year, driven by heightened safe-haven demand amid escalating geopolitical tensions and the growing likelihood of U.S. interest rate cuts.
Currently trading at $2,686.46, gold is benefitting from multiple factors, including the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the Federal Reserve’s dovish stance.
Russia’s launch of a hypersonic missile at Dnipro on Thursday marked a significant escalation in the conflict, boosting gold’s appeal as a safe asset.
Marex analyst Edward Meir noted that alongside geopolitical concerns, Bitcoin’s surge towards $100,000 has added to gold’s allure, reflecting broader uncertainty in global financial markets.
XAU/USD
Key Drivers for Gold’s Bullish Momentum
1. Geopolitical Tensions
Russia’s intensified military actions and Western support for Ukraine have significantly increased the demand for safe-haven assets like gold. These risks, coupled with fears of broader conflict, have led investors to hedge against potential economic fallout.
2. Federal Reserve Rate Cut Speculation
The Federal Reserve is expected to adopt a more accommodative monetary policy, with markets pricing in a 55.9% chance of a 25-basis-point cut at December’s meeting, according to CME’s FedWatch Tool. Comments from Chicago Fed President and Governor Michelle Bowman support this dovish outlook, further underpinning gold’s upward trajectory.
3. Near-Term U.S. Data Releases
Upcoming U.S. data, including preliminary GDP and core PCE figures, could further influence gold prices. Analysts project prices targeting $2,690–$2,715, aligning with ongoing bullish trends.
Technical Outlook: Gold Spot (XAU/USD)
Gold is trading within a well-defined ascending channel, supported by a pivot point at $2,665.14. Immediate resistance lies at $2,692.70, with further targets at $2,708.45 and $2,725.37. On the downside, immediate support is seen at $2,665.14, with additional levels at $2,637.18 and $2,627.72.
Key Indicators:
RSI: At 74.15, gold is overbought, signaling potential short-term pullbacks.
50 EMA: Positioned at $2,637.18, reinforcing dynamic support for the channel’s lower boundary.
Conclusion
Gold’s bullish rally remains intact, driven by safe-haven demand and dovish Federal Reserve expectations. A sustained close above $2,692.70 could propel prices toward $2,725.37, marking the upper boundary of the current channel. However, investors should monitor the RSI for overbought signals, as any dip below $2,665.14 could trigger short-term retracements.
Gold remains a key asset for investors navigating geopolitical uncertainties and shifting economic conditions.
Arslan Butt serves as the Lead Commodities and Indices Analyst, bringing a wealth of expertise to the field. With an MBA in Behavioral Finance and active progress towards a Ph.D., Arslan possesses a deep understanding of market dynamics.
His professional journey includes a significant role as a senior analyst at a leading brokerage firm, complementing his extensive experience as a market analyst and day trader. Adept in educating others, Arslan has a commendable track record as an instructor and public speaker.
His incisive analyses, particularly within the realms of cryptocurrency and forex markets, are showcased across esteemed financial publications such as ForexCrunch, InsideBitcoins, and EconomyWatch, solidifying his reputation in the financial community.