Will Gold and Silver Prices Remain Steady Ahead of the US Fed's Decision?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Mumbai, Dec 9 (NationPress) Gold prices remained stable during early trading on Tuesday as market participants exercised caution in anticipation of the US Federal Reserve's interest rate announcement.
On the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), February contracts for gold were steady at Rs 1,29,978 per 10 grams.
According to market analysts, MCX Gold (Feb) is trading around Rs 1,29,952, following a global uptrend while also benefiting from the weakening of the rupee.
They noted that the Rs 1,29,200 level continues to serve as crucial short-term support. As long as this threshold is maintained, the potential exists to reach the resistance zone of Rs 1,30,000 to Rs 1,31,000.
In contrast, silver prices experienced an increase, with MCX silver March futures rising by 0.50% to Rs 1,82,705 per kg.
Global market attention is now directed towards the Federal Reserve, which is set to announce its policy decision on Wednesday, December 10.
This meeting occurs amid indications of a cooling US job market, even as inflation continues to exceed the central bank's 2% target.
Recent statistics revealed that the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) price index, the preferred inflation measure of the Fed, rose by 0.3% in September, matching August's increase.
Year-over-year, the index increased by 2.8%, slightly above the 2.7% rise recorded the previous month.
Additionally, data from last week indicated a significant decline in US private payroll numbers, with a drop of 32,000 jobs in November, marking the steepest fall in over two and a half years.
Simultaneously, claims for unemployment benefits fell to 191,000 during the week ending November 29, the lowest level in more than three years and substantially lower than economists' projections of 220,000.
Economists from Comerica anticipate that the Federal Open Market Committee will lower the federal funds rate by 25 basis points, bringing it to a range between 3.50% and 3.75% in its final policy move of the year.
While rate cut expectations typically bolster gold prices, increases are being limited due to higher bond yields.
On Monday, the benchmark US 10-year Treasury yield reached a two-and-a-half-month high, applying additional pressure on the precious metal.