Why Are Precious Metal Prices Surging Amid Weak US Consumer Spending Data?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
New Delhi, Feb 11 (NationPress) Gold prices experienced a notable rise, while silver prices saw a remarkable increase on Wednesday, driven by optimism regarding a more accommodating Federal Reserve in light of disappointing US consumer spending data.
MCX gold April futures advanced by 0.71 percent, reaching Rs 1,57,909 per 10 grams during intra-day trading. Simultaneously, MCX silver March futures surged by 2.67 percent to Rs 2,59,300 per kg.
The dollar index fell to 96.59 on Wednesday from 96.80 in the previous session, making dollar-denominated bullion more affordable for international buyers. This decline in the dollar also played a role in the uptick of precious metals.
In the global commodity markets, the prices of gold and silver increased as US Treasury bond yields dropped following lackluster December retail sales figures.
Market analysts pointed out that December retail sales fell below expectations, indicating a slowdown in consumer spending, which raised concerns about economic growth.
Currently, markets anticipate at least three interest rate cuts this year, an increase from the two expected earlier this week -- a significant advantage for bullion due to anticipated more relaxed monetary policies.
COMEX Gold traded within the $4,900–$5,100 range after sharply correcting from previous highs above $5,500–$5,600.
Despite recent pullbacks, the overall upward trend of COMEX Gold remains intact, with participants suggesting that this recent adjustment seems more like healthy profit-taking rather than any structural harm.
Industrial demand and ongoing supply challenges continue to bolster a positive long-term outlook for silver, despite its heightened volatility, with market sentiment indicating that the $65–$70 range acts as a strong structural support band for COMEX Silver.
According to an analyst, gold has support levels at Rs 1,55,500 and Rs 1,54,000, with resistance at Rs 1,57,700 and Rs 1,59,000. Silver is expected to find support at Rs 2,44,000 and Rs 2,48,800, while facing resistance at Rs 2,60,000.
Investors are keenly awaiting insights from the non-farm payrolls and inflation data for further indications regarding the Federal Reserve's interest rate path.
aar/na