Spot gold is trading near session lows on Thursday morning after the latest data showed the U.S. housing market improving beyond expectations in August.New home sales rose 6.4% last month, double the expected 3.2% increase, the U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development announced.
Spot gold prices were modestly lower and spot silver prices were under heavier pressure in early U.S. trading Thursday, as rising oil prices, elevated Treasury yields and firmer Fed rate-hike expectations offset safe-haven demand tied to the U.S.-Iran conflict.
The gold market remains under pressure and could face further losses as the U.S. labor market remains fairly resilient, with the number of American workers applying for first-time unemployment benefits remaining below a critical level.
Gold price slips below its 50-day MA as 10-year Treasury yields hit a 2007 high and October Fed hike odds jump to 77.5%.
Gold was flat in early Asian trade, staying under $4,300 a troy ounce as a rebound in oil prices and Treasury yields overnight pressured the precious metal.
Spot gold and silver prices were sharply lower after the U.S. close Wednesday, as a stronger-than-expected U.S. PMI print lifted Treasury yields, strengthened the dollar and pushed traders to price a higher probability of another Fed rate hike in October.
Gold continues to struggle as prices fall below critical support at $4,300 an ounce; however, one bank sees limited downside for the precious metal as the environment looks ripe for a renewed drive above $5,000 an ounce.
Strong dollar and rising Treasury yields put significant pressure on gold markets.
Central bank gold purchases remained strong through July, and China appears to be buying far more bullion than official reports have disclosed, supporting a year-end price target of $4,900 per ounce, according to Goldman Sachs Research.
The gold market is selling off after the latest U.S. data showed the services sector improving beyond expectations this month, while the manufacturing sector also strengthened.S&P Global reported on Wednesday that its flash Composite Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) rose to 58.4 in September, up from August's reading of 56. The number was above expectations, as economists had forecasted a reading of 55.2.
Gold and silver remain in tight ranges as oil falls below $100, while Fed rate-hike bets keep their next breakouts in doubt.
Gold prices slide as three central bank hikes and stubborn inflation keep sellers in control. Watch yields, $4,384 resistance and $4,296 support.