Will Gold Prices Remain Steady Ahead of the US Fed Policy Decision?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Mumbai, December 9 (NationPress) Gold prices remained stable in the early trading session on Tuesday as investors exercised caution ahead of the upcoming interest rate decision from the US Federal Reserve.
On the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), February gold contracts held steady at Rs 1,29,978 per 10 grams during initial trading hours.
According to market analysts, "In the domestic market, MCX Gold (February) is trading close to Rs 1,29,952, closely following the global trend while also benefiting from a weaker rupee."
They further noted, "The Rs 1,29,200 level remains a crucial short-term support. As long as this level holds firm, the trajectory remains open towards the resistance zone of Rs 1,30,000–Rs 1,31,000."
Conversely, silver prices saw a rise, with MCX silver March futures increasing by 0.50% to Rs 1,82,705 per kg.
The global markets are now focused on the Federal Reserve, which is set to declare its policy decision on Wednesday (December 10).
This meeting occurs amidst indications of a cooling US job market, while inflation continues to exceed the central bank’s target of 2%.
Recent figures revealed that the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) price index, the Fed's preferred inflation gauge, increased by 0.3% in September, consistent with August's rise.
On a yearly basis, the index saw a 2.8% rise, slightly higher than the previous month's 2.7% increase.
Meanwhile, last week's US private payroll data indicated the largest decline in over two and a half years, with a loss of 32,000 private sector jobs in November.
Simultaneously, unemployment claims fell to 191,000 for the week ending November 29, marking the lowest level in over three years and significantly below economists' expectations of 220,000.
Economists at Comerica anticipate that the Federal Open Market Committee will lower the federal funds rate by 25 basis points, adjusting it to a range between 3.50% and 3.75% in its final policy decision of the year.
While expectations of a rate cut typically bolster gold prices, gains are being curtailed by rising bond yields.
The benchmark US 10-year Treasury yield climbed to a two-and-a-half-month high on Monday, exerting additional pressure on the precious metal.