Precious metals declined due to US President Donald Trump's unpredictable tariff policies but remained anchored at high levels because of this.
On February 25, Mr. Trump directed a study of the possibility of imposing new tariffs on imported copper to rebuild US production of metals critical to electric vehicles, military hardware, power grids and many other consumer goods. He also announced he would soon expand his trade war to include a 25% tariff on goods from the European Union (EU)...
Investors are waiting for the US personal consumption expenditures index (PCE) report, a favorite inflation measure of the Federal Reserve (FED), scheduled to be announced on February 28. How inflation develops can affect the FED's interest rate policy this year and impact the precious metals trend.
Higher-than-expected inflation could strengthen the possibility that the US Central Bank will continue to delay further interest rate cuts. Meger added that as one of the key hedges against inflationary pressures, gold should appreciate more.