This significant rise in gold prices was recorded on Monday, but by Tuesday, the situation had dramatically changed: the price decreased by 0.5%, reaching $2,020.29 per ounce. This decline followed the record achievement and a reduction of more than $100 in a single day, closing the market session with a loss of over 2%.
It is noteworthy that American gold futures also showed a decrease, falling by 0.3% to $2,036.30.
Experts predict that the growth that led to Monday's record may temporarily subside. This is due to uncertainties around the prospects of the U.S. monetary and credit policy. However, geopolitical risks may contribute to gold reaching new heights in the future.
Jim Wyckoff, a senior analyst at Kitco Metals, emphasized that the gold market has taken a pause after the recent rally. He also suggested that the $2,000 level might become a new floor for gold in the market.
Significant impact on market trends is also exerted by employment data in the U.S. Recent reports showed a decrease in the number of job openings in the country to a level not seen in more than two and a half years. This indicates that the rise in interest rates is starting to affect the demand for labor.
Thus, investors are eagerly awaiting the U.S. non-farm employment report for November, which will be published on Friday. These data may provide a clearer understanding of the future movements of U.S. interest rates, which, in turn, will affect the dynamics of both the dollar and gold.
The dollar, in turn, has strengthened its position, showing a growth of 0.2% and approaching a two-week high. Such strengthening of the currency made gold more expensive for holders of foreign currencies, which also played a role in changing market dynamics.
Traders are actively assessing current economic trends, especially the likelihood of a reduction in interest rates by the U.S. Federal Reserve (Fed) in March. According to the CME FedWatch tool, the probability of such a reduction is currently estimated at 66%. Historically, a decrease in interest rates is a factor that typically provides support in the market for non-interest-bearing bullion such as gold.
In light of this, experts from Commerzbank suggest that the price of gold may reach $2,100 per troy ounce by the second half of 2024. This forecast is based on the expectation that the Fed will begin the process of lowering interest rates.
Against this backdrop, there is also a decline in prices of other precious metals. Spot silver fell by 1.4%, reaching a price of $24.16 per ounce. The price of platinum also decreased, by 1.8%, settling at $899.80 per ounce.
Palladium, continuing the trend, also showed a decline of 4.1%, reaching a more than five-year low at $936.24 per ounce. This decrease highlights the overall trend of instability in the precious metals market, influenced by both economic and geopolitical factors.