Gold breaks to new highs after US Jobs data
- Gold rallies to new highs in the $2,770s after the release of US JOLTS jobs data.
- The precious metal was also supported by cheaper Oil which is likely to lead to lower interest rates – a positive for Gold.
- XAU/USD trades trades to a new higher high in line with its longer-term bullish trend.
Gold (XAU/USD) rises to a new record high in the $2,770s on Tuesday after the release of lower-than-expected US JOLTS Job Openings data indicated cracks appearing in the US labor market. This makes it more likely the US Federal Reserve (Fed) will slash interest rates to protect growth. Lower interest rates are positive for non-interest paying assets such as Gold.
US JOLTS Job Openings fell to 7.44 million in September from a revised-down 7.861 million in August and below estimates of 7.99 million, according to data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Gold rises due to lower Oil prices
Gold had already been on the rise due to falling Oil prices, which declined 6.0% (Brent) on Monday due to the news that Israel only attacked military targets in Iran, leaving its Oil and nuclear installations unaffected.
Cheaper Oil is likely to help maintain lower levels of inflation globally as it reduces fuel and energy costs – a major factor in production, transportation and heating. This, in turn, is likely to accelerate the downward progression of global interest rates, boosting Gold’s attractiveness to investors as a non-interest-paying asset.
Gold also remains underpinned by safe-haven flows due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and the escalation of the war in Ukraine following the news that North Korea has sent troops to Russia.
Technical Analysis: Gold tests top of range
Gold breaks out of the top of its mini range, which stretches from a low of $2,708 to the all-time high at $2,758.
Overall, the yellow metal is in a steady uptrend on all time frames (short, medium and long), which, given the technical principle that “the trend is your friend,” tilts the odds in favor of more upside.
XAU/USD Daily Chart
The break above the top of the range confirms a continuation of the bullish trend up to the next big-figure target level, which lies at $3,000 (round number and psychological level).
Gold FAQs
Gold has played a key role in human’s history as it has been widely used as a store of value and medium of exchange. Currently, apart from its shine and usage for jewelry, the precious metal is widely seen as a safe-haven asset, meaning that it is considered a good investment during turbulent times. Gold is also widely seen as a hedge against inflation and against depreciating currencies as it doesn’t rely on any specific issuer or government.
Central banks are the biggest Gold holders. In their aim to support their currencies in turbulent times, central banks tend to diversify their reserves and buy Gold to improve the perceived strength of the economy and the currency. High Gold reserves can be a source of trust for a country’s solvency. Central banks added 1,136 tonnes of Gold worth around $70 billion to their reserves in 2022, according to data from the World Gold Council. This is the highest yearly purchase since records began. Central banks from emerging economies such as China, India and Turkey are quickly increasing their Gold reserves.
Gold has an inverse correlation with the US Dollar and US Treasuries, which are both major reserve and safe-haven assets. When the Dollar depreciates, Gold tends to rise, enabling investors and central banks to diversify their assets in turbulent times. Gold is also inversely correlated with risk assets. A rally in the stock market tends to weaken Gold price, while sell-offs in riskier markets tend to favor the precious metal.
The price can move due to a wide range of factors. Geopolitical instability or fears of a deep recession can quickly make Gold price escalate due to its safe-haven status. As a yield-less asset, Gold tends to rise with lower interest rates, while higher cost of money usually weighs down on the yellow metal. Still, most moves depend on how the US Dollar (USD) behaves as the asset is priced in dollars (XAU/USD). A strong Dollar tends to keep the price of Gold controlled, whereas a weaker Dollar is likely to push Gold prices up.