- Gold price holds below $2,000 on the stronger USD and upbeat US CPI report.
- The US Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation eased to 3.1% in January YoY from 3.4% in December.
- The ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and Eastern Europe might cap the downside of the gold price.
Gold price (XAU/USD) drops below the $2,000 psychological mark during the early Asian session on Wednesday. The stronger US inflation data exerts some selling pressure on the yellow metal as it diminishes hopes of an early rate cut. The gold price currently trades around $1,992, unchanged for the day.
Meanwhile, the US Dollar Index (DXY), an index of the value of the USD measured against a basket of six world currencies, trades near 104.85 after reaching a three-month high of 105.00. The US Treasury yields edge higher, with the 10-year yield standing at 4.32% and the 2-year rate jumping to 4.654%, the biggest one-day jump since May 5, 2023.
The US Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation eased to 3.1% YoY in January from 3.4% in December, according to the U.S. Labor Department on Tuesday. On a monthly basis, the headline CPI increased 0.3% in January after rising 0.2% in December. The Core CPI, which excludes food and energy, rose 0.4% in January from a 0.3% increase in December. Over the last 12 months, the figure climbed 3.9% YoY, above the market consensus of 3.7%.
Traders in financial markets pushed back their interest rate cut expectations to June from May after the upbeat US CPI report. Inflation is slowing down, but not quickly enough to prompt Fed policymakers to begin lowering interest rates soon. Traders will take more cues from the US January Retail Sales and Producer Price Index (PPI) this week for fresh impetus. Gold prices could face further declines if other economic data remains strong.
On the other hand, geopolitical tensions continued in the Middle East and Eastern Europe. Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis have continued their attacks in the Red Sea, claiming solidarity with Palestinians and targeting vessels with commercial ties to the United States, Britain, and Israel. The ongoing tensions might boost traditional safe-haven assets like gold.
Looking ahead, the Fed’s Goolsbee and Barr are set to peak on Wednesday. Later this week, gold traders will monitor US January Retail Sales on Thursday and the Producer Price Index (PPI) on Friday. The figure is forecast to show an increase of 0.1% MoM and 0.6% YoY in January.
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.