- Spot gold has surged to fresh multi-month highs in the $1850s after much higher-than-expected US inflation figures.
- The YoY rate of headline inflation rose to 6.2%.
Spot gold (XAU/USD) prices have spiked higher in response to the latest US Consumer Price Inflation (CPI) report. Prior to the data release, XAU/USD was just under $1828, but it now trades well above the $1850 mark with on-the-day gains of about more than 1.0%. Spot prices are up around 1.7% from earlier session lows around $1823.
Crucially, the recent surge higher in spot gold prices has taken the precious metal above a key area of resistance and to its highest levels since June. Over the summer months, spot prices had been unable to break beyond the $1835 level, but it seems this level has now been busted. Any retracement back towards the mid-$1830s may be used as a buying opportunity for gold bulls.
Hot US Inflation
The YoY rate of headline CPI rose to 6.2% in October (expected was 5.8%) from 5.4% in September, amid a much faster than expected MoM increase of 0.9% (expected was 0.6%). Core measures of inflation also came in higher than expectations, with the YoY rate rising to 4.6% from 4.0% in September, and the MoM rate accelerating to 0.6% from 0.2% in September.
The data has put significant upwards pressure on US yields, particularly at the front end, with the 2-year yield current up nearly 8bps on the day above 0.48% and the 5-year yield up about 7bps to above 1.14%. The rise in yields is being driven by a sharp surge in inflation expectations. This explains the sharp rise in gold – demand for inflation hedges, which could also explain why Bitcoin is now up 1.5% on the day.
Note: All information on this page is subject to change. The use of this website constitutes acceptance of our user agreement. Please read our privacy policy and legal disclaimer. Opinions expressed at FXstreet.com are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent the opinion of FXstreet.com or its management. Risk Disclosure: Trading foreign exchange on margin carries a high level of risk, and may not be suitable for all investors. The high degree of leverage can work against you as well as for you. Before deciding to invest in foreign exchange you should carefully consider your investment objectives, level of experience, and risk appetite. The possibility exists that you could sustain a loss of some or all of your initial investment and therefore you should not invest money that you cannot afford to lose. You should be aware of all the risks associated with foreign exchange trading, and seek advice from an independent financial advisor if you have any doubts.
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.