Gold Prices Record High Amid Fed Rate Cut Speculation
- Gold reached an all-time high of $2,586 per ounce last week, rising over 3.25% as speculation grows about a potential U.S. Federal Reserve rate cut.
- Traders are betting on a larger-than-expected cut, potentially 50 basis points, to stimulate the economy, which has been impacted by inflation concerns and global uncertainty. This surge marks gold’s strongest weekly gain since mid-August.
• Rate Cut Expectations Drive Gold’s Rally
- The likelihood of a 50-basis-point rate cut has grown to 50%, up from just 14% earlier in the week.
- Speculation surrounding aggressive Fed action has boosted gold’s appeal, as lower interest rates make non yielding assets like gold more attractive.
• Support from U.S. Dollar, Bond Yields, and Global Easing
- Despite gold's rise, the U.S. Dollar Index saw a slight gain, while bond yields fell, with the 10-year Treasury dropping 2.1 basis points. Lower bond yields decrease the opportunity cost of holding gold, further driving its appeal. Meanwhile, global monetary easing, including a rate cut by the European Central Bank (ECB), and increased gold reserves by central banks, especially in emerging markets, have added to the metal's strength.
• Looking Ahead: — Gold’s Outlook
- All attention is now on the Fed’s upcoming meeting, where a rate cut is widely expected.
- The market anticipates a 25-basis-point reduction, though there’s a 49% chance of a larger 50-basis-point cut. A larger cut could push gold prices above $2,600 per ounce. The Fed will also provide projections on future rate cuts, which could suggest further easing in 2024, supporting gold’s bullish trend.
- In the short term, gold prices are likely to remain strong, with the possibility of testing new highs depending on the Fed’s actions.
- If the central bank continues to ease monetary policy and inflation moderates, gold could remain a favored asset, particularly if bond yields remain low.