Gold prices shot to session highs after manufacturing activity in the New York region rose deeper into expansionary territory this month, according to the latest data published by the New York Federal Reserve.The regional central bank announced on Wednesday that its Empire State manufacturing survey improved to 15.6 in July, after posting a 5.7 print in June. The data was far better than expectations, as consensus forecasts called for a slight rise to 6.2.
Central bank gold buying remains strong as Fed uncertainty and Middle East tensions shape gold and silver. See key technical levels for XAUUSD and XAGUSD.
Gold was steady in the early Asian trade. Broadly higher yields increase the opportunity-cost of holding non-interest-bearing assets like gold, said Swissquote.
The gold market continues to struggle to find consistent bullish momentum, but one fund manager noted that the precious metal remains one of the best-performing assets over the past 12 months, with mining equities taking the top spot.
Gold rebounded after buyers stepped in before soft CPI data. Lower Treasury yields and a weaker dollar now put key resistance levels back in focus.
The gold market has been thrown a critical lifeline with prices jumping back toward $4,100 an ounce following a sharp drop in inflation pressures, which should give the Federal Reserve room to leave interest rates unchanged through the second half of the year.
Gold fell in early Asian trade. A broad rise in global bond yields was likely weighing on the precious metal, said Eleonex.
In this Metals Spotlight segment, Bloomberg's Metals Reporter Jack Ryan talks about how oil prices and a renewed US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz are impacting gold and silver prices. Bullion slid below $4,000 an ounce during trading on Monday as Fed Governor Christopher Waller said policymakers may need to raise rates in the near term.
Gold is down 7.6% so far this year, while silver prices are down 17.8%.
Gold and silver remain under pressure as surging oil prices revive inflation fears and strengthen the US dollar, while key support levels and upcoming CPI data may determine the next major move.
Social media and GLP-1s are spurring increased interest in hydration products, and companies are responding with things like electrolyte mixes and “hydrating hot chocolate.”
The latest Kitco News Weekly Gold Survey showed Wall Street and Main Street divided and indecisive on gold's near-term prospects after the yellow metal failed to break out of its recent consolidation channel.