XAU/USD Current price: 2,014.40
- Stock markets extend the rally after solid earnings reports and upbeat US data.
- The Bank of Canada kept its monetary policy unchanged, as widely anticipated.
- XAU/USD turned bearish in the near term, aims to test the $2.000 mark.
The US Dollar surged in the American session, driving XAU/USD down to $2,011.72, a fresh weekly low. Upbeat United States (US) data boosted the local currency. S&P Global published the preliminary estimate of the January Producer Manager Indexes (PMIs), which showed manufacturing output improved to 50.3, much better than the 47.9 previous and the highest reading in over a year. The Services PMI came in at 52.9, beating the expected 51 and above the previous 51.4. According to the official report, business activity grew at the “sharpest rate in seven months.”
Meanwhile, the Bank of Canada (BoC) announced it left its key rate unchanged at 5% following the January policy. The statement was slightly more hawkish than anticipated, weighing down the odds for an April rate cut to around 40%. Still, stock markets maintain the positive tone, with Wall Street resuming its record rally on the back of better-than-anticipated earnings reports signaling economic health.
XAU/USD short-term technical outlook
From a technical point of view, XAU/USD is poised to extend its slump. The daily chart shows it met sellers around a bearish 20 Simple Moving Average (SMA), providing dynamic resistance at around the daily high of $2,036.80. At the same time, technical indicators resumed their declines within negative levels, gaining downward strength. Finally, the 100 and 200 SMAs remain below the current level, losing directional strength.
The 4-hour chart shows a long bearish candle following a test of converging 100 and 200 SMAs, also around the intraday high, and XAU/USD accelerating the slide below a mildly bearish 20 SMA. Furthermore, technical indicators accelerated north, heading south almost vertically within negative levels, in line with another leg south.
Support levels: 2,011.70 2,001.60 1,988.60
Resistance levels: 2,021.80 2,033.10 2,040.30
Information on these pages contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Markets and instruments profiled on this page are for informational purposes only and should not in any way come across as a recommendation to buy or sell in these assets. You should do your own thorough research before making any investment decisions. FXStreet does not in any way guarantee that this information is free from mistakes, errors, or material misstatements. It also does not guarantee that this information is of a timely nature. Investing in Open Markets involves a great deal of risk, including the loss of all or a portion of your investment, as well as emotional distress. All risks, losses and costs associated with investing, including total loss of principal, are your responsibility. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of FXStreet nor its advertisers. The author will not be held responsible for information that is found at the end of links posted on this page.
If not otherwise explicitly mentioned in the body of the article, at the time of writing, the author has no position in any stock mentioned in this article and no business relationship with any company mentioned. The author has not received compensation for writing this article, other than from FXStreet.
FXStreet and the author do not provide personalized recommendations. The author makes no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of this information. FXStreet and the author will not be liable for any errors, omissions or any losses, injuries or damages arising from this information and its display or use. Errors and omissions excepted.
The author and FXStreet are not registered investment advisors and nothing in this article is intended to be investment advice.
Recommended Content
Editors’ Picks
EUR/USD stays near 1.0400 in thin holiday trading
EUR/USD trades with mild losses near 1.0400 on Tuesday. The expectation that the US Federal Reserve will deliver fewer rate cuts in 2025 provides some support for the US Dollar. Trading volumes are likely to remain low heading into the Christmas break.
GBP/USD struggles to find direction, holds steady near 1.2550
GBP/USD consolidates in a range at around 1.2550 on Tuesday after closing in negative territory on Monday. The US Dollar preserves its strength and makes it difficult for the pair to gain traction as trading conditions thin out on Christmas Eve.
Gold holds above $2,600, bulls non-committed on hawkish Fed outlook
Gold trades in a narrow channel above $2,600 on Tuesday, albeit lacking strong follow-through buying. Geopolitical tensions and trade war fears lend support to the safe-haven XAU/USD, while the Fed’s hawkish shift acts as a tailwind for the USD and caps the precious metal.
IRS says crypto staking should be taxed in response to lawsuit
In a filing on Monday, the US International Revenue Service stated that the rewards gotten from staking cryptocurrencies should be taxed, responding to a lawsuit from couple Joshua and Jessica Jarrett.
2025 outlook: What is next for developed economies and currencies?
As the door closes in 2024, and while the year feels like it has passed in the blink of an eye, a lot has happened. If I had to summarise it all in four words, it would be: ‘a year of surprises’.
Best Forex Brokers with Low Spreads
VERIFIED Low spreads are crucial for reducing trading costs. Explore top Forex brokers offering competitive spreads and high leverage. Compare options for EUR/USD, GBP/USD, USD/JPY, and Gold.