Most Asian currencies weakened on Friday amidst escalating geopolitical tensions, with the US Dollar (USD) and the Japanese Yen (JPY) garnering safe-haven demand. Reports of retaliatory strikes by Israel against Iran fueled risk aversion, pushing investors towards traditional safe-haven assets.
Gold prices for XAU/USD continued their downward slide on Tuesday, echoing the trend from the day prior. Currently hovering near $2,305.90 per ounce, this marks a notable retreat from April's highs around $2,430 per ounce, signaling a notable relaxation in market tensions.
During the Asian session on Friday, the price of gold (XAU/USD) showed a modest increase, reaching $2,335 an ounce, although without sustained buying momentum and lingering below the previous high. Investors are redirecting their attention past the disappointing US GDP figures, as the growing consensus anticipates a delay in interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve due to persistent inflationary pressures, consequently bolstering demand for the US Dollar (USD). This, coupled with a generally optimistic sentiment in equity markets, acts as a significant headwind for the safe-haven appeal of precious metals.
The Australian Dollar (AUD) has experienced significant fluctuations, primarily influenced by the Reserve Bank of Australia's (RBA) recent decision to maintain its interest rate at 4.35%. Despite the anticipation of a hawkish shift following unexpectedly high inflation figures, the RBA has maintained a cautious approach, citing the need for vigilance against inflation risks. Governor Michele Bullock underscored the necessity of maintaining current rates to guide inflation back to the target range of 2-3% by the latter half of 2025.
Gold prices (XAU/USD) exhibit a cautiously positive trend this Thursday, influenced by a complex interplay of economic signals and geopolitical dynamics. Despite an absence of major economic news earlier in the week, gold faces resistance due to a robust U.S. dollar and anticipations of persistent high U.S. interest rates, evidenced by a 0.5% increase in the U.S. Dollar Index to 103.2. Recent hawkish statements from Federal Reserve officials, including Boston Fed President Susan Collins, New York Fed President John Williams, and Minneapolis Fed President Neel Kashkari, emphasize a prolonged period of high rates as inflation control remains a central focus. This stance is further reinforced by a downward adjustment in market expectations, with the probability of a September rate cut now reduced to just under 55%.
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