gold steady

Amid Geopolitical Tensions, Gold’s Rally Seems Unstoppable

EDITOR'S NOTES

Gold continues to surge to record-breaking heights amid geopolitical risks and market uncertainties. As investors flock to the precious metal, driving its price to an all-time high of $2,365.09 per ounce, the world is reminded of gold’s unmatched safe-haven status. This monumental rally is not just a fleeting moment of triumph but a clarion call to those seeking refuge from the capricious tides of the global economy. With the eyes of the world turned to the upcoming Federal Reserve’s policy meeting and crucial U.S. inflation data, gold stands resolute, a golden pillar of security in an ever-volatile financial landscape. As geopolitical tensions simmer and central banks and investors alike bolster their reserves, gold shines brighter than ever, promising not just wealth preservation but a beacon of hope and stability for the future.

Gold extended its record run on Tuesday fueled by buying momentum and geopolitical risks, while the spotlight shifted to the Federal Reserve's policy meeting minutes and U.S. inflation data for insights into U.S. rate cut timeline.
Spot gold was up 0.3% at $2,346.57 per ounce by 2:06 p.m. ET (1806 GMT) after hitting a record high of $2,365.09.
U.S. gold futures settled 0.5% higher at $2,362.4.
Reuters Graphics
Reuters Graphics

"Technical buying momentum will continue in the gold market unless the CPI data comes out much hotter-than-expected. A cooler inflation report could take prices to $2,400," said Phillip Streible, chief market strategist at Blue Line Futures in Chicago.

The U.S. central bank's policy meeting minutes and U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI) data are due on Wednesday.

Bullion is considered a hedge against inflation and geopolitical uncertainties, but higher interest rates tend to dull the appeal of holding the non-yielding asset.

"The fundamentals underpinning the current rally include growing geopolitical risk, steady central bank buying and resilient demand for jewellery and bars and coins," the World Gold Council said in a note.

"With the prospect of lower interest rates ahead, the suggestion is that (gold exchange-traded-funds) ETFs have missed the rally and are now under-allocated."

CME Group data showed that the market is pricing in a 53% chance of a rate cut in June.

"Despite my long-term bullish outlook on gold, given the current conditions, I anticipate a bearish reversal, perhaps even a minor one," said Fawad Razaqzada, market analyst at City Index in a note.

Spot silver rose 0.5% to $27.97 per ounce after hitting its highest level since June 2021 earlier in the session.

Platinum firmed 1.3% to $971.05 and palladium rose 3% to $1,077.00.

"Given the lack of production discipline, we are particularly concerned about palladium, which will likely continue to underperform platinum whose demand is less exposed to the auto industry," BofA analysts wrote in a note.

This article originally appeared on Reuters