Gold, XAU/USD, Inflation Forecast, Breakevens, Technical Forecast – TALKING POINTS
- Gold prices are trading slightly higher as a risk-on APAC session weighs on the US Dollar
- A pickup in inflation bets has bolstered XAU prices, but Fed rate hike bets present a risk to prices
- XAU/USD’s technical posture looks strong above the 26-day EMA and 38.2% Fib retracement
Gold prices are moving higher alongside equities through the Asia-Pacific trading session. A risk-on move that started overnight on Wall Street is holding firm. Australia’s trade surplus in June, released this morning, beat analysts’ expectations, rising to A$17.7 billion versus A$14 billion. The strength in Australia’s exports suggests that the Asia-Pacific region’s economy, including China, may be more resilient than previously thought.
The upbeat economic data is helping to support the Aussie Dollar, keeping weight on the US Dollar DXY Index. The Greenback remains positive on the week, but prices began to ease during New York trading when a positive US ISM services sector gauge beat expectations, causing traders to dial back recession bets. A weaker Dollar makes gold more attractive to investors outside of the United States.
However, Federal Reserve rate hike bets picked up slightly amid easing recession woes. Rate traders are pricing in a 50% chance for a 75-basis-point rate hike at the FOMC’s September meeting. That would typically be bearish for bullion prices, but traders see a strong economy supporting prices. Breakeven rates—a market-based gauge of forward inflation expectations, measured by the gap between nominal and inflation-indexed yields—stopped falling in mid-July. Since then, the 1-, 2- and 5-year breakeven rates have increased.
Gold is a common inflation hedge. The fact that inflation expectations have moderated following months of decline helps to explain the yellow metal’s strength. The chart below shows this relationship. That may see XAU rise further, assuming the recent trend holds. However, if Fed rate hike expectations increase, it would likely pressure breakeven rates and drag gold lower.
XAU/USD Technical Outlook
XAU/USD is trading around 0.25% higher, putting gold prices in positive territory for the week. Prices may rise to the 1788.03 August swing high set earlier this week. That level was quickly sold on an intraday basis, with prices finishing lower on the daily candle. Bulls may face resistance trading into that intraday candlestick wick.
However, the 1800 psychological level would shift into focus if prices pierce above that level. Alternatively, the rising 26-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA) and 38.2% Fibonacci retracement level may underpin prices on a move lower. However, a drop to the 23.6% Fib at 1727.83 may manifest if prices crack below the EMA and Fib.
XAU/USD Daily Chart
Chart created with TradingView
— Written by Thomas Westwater, Analyst for DailyFX.com
To contact Thomas, use the comments section below or @FxWestwater on Twitter
