Gold Holds Support Post-FOMC

We failed to see any significant moves on the back of the FOMC yesterday. The Fed cut rates as expected and signalled more to come, though rate cut projections were slightly lower than the market was pricing in. Along with some warnings over inflation from Powell, USD was seen a little firmer on the back of the meeting causing some downside in gold.

Bearish USD/Bullish Gold View

However, once the dust settles, the consensus view is for USD to move lower as the impact of fresh Fed easing takes hold. Additionally, any incoming data weakness should bolster easing expectations putting greater pressure on USD, allowing room for gold to move higher again.  In particular, any signa that the uptick in inflation is starting to cool should have a clear, bearish impact on USD alongside signs that the labour market remains weak or is weakening.

Risk Sentiment

Along with the impact of the FOMC and US data, traders are also keeping an eye on the various geopolitical situations still causing great uncertainty for markets. With conflict between Russia and Ukraine continuing and intensifying at time, fears of a spill over in NATO territory and elevated aggression from Israel in the Middle East, gold looks likely to retain residual safe-haven demand. Indeed, any fresh escalation in either of these situations should feed into higher gold demand near-term.

Technical Views

Gold

For now, gold remains atop the 3,652.34 level and back above the bull trend line. While supported by this, focus is on a continuation higher with 3,800 the next bull objective. To the downside, 3,493.81 will be the key support to watch.