Gold price climbs to record highs as geopolitical risks boost safe-haven flows

• Gold price trades in positive territory in Monday’s Asian session. 
• The US Fed rate cut and Middle East geopolitical risks continue to underpin the precious metal. 
• The renewed US Dollar demand might cap the upside of the XAU/USD. 

The Gold price (XAU/USD) reaches a record high on Monday, supported by a softer Greenback. The start of a monetary easing cycle of the Federal Reserve’s (Fed) and the expectation of deeper rate cuts this year might underpin the non-interest-bearing Gold price. Furthermore, the rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East might lead to fresh allocation towards safe-haven assets like gold. 

Looking ahead, traders will keep an eye on the flash reading of the US Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) data, which is due later on Monday. However, the stronger-than-expected outcome could lift the USD and weigh on the USD-denominated Gold price.  

Daily Digest Market Movers: Gold price remains stronger amid global factors

• "The forced liquidation of short positions may push the gold price higher into historical highs, as the US dollar generally holds its ground against a basket of major currencies, and rising bond yields create an unfavorable environment for gold," said FxPro analysts.
• Hezbollah and Israel exchanged heavy fire on Sunday, as the Lebanese militant group launched missiles deep into northern Israeli territory after facing some of the most intense bombardment in almost a year of conflict, per CNN.
• Fed Philadelphia President Patrick Harker said on Friday that the US central bank has effectively navigated a challenging economy over the last few years. Harker further stated that "hard" and "soft" data are both important in decision-making.
• Fed Governor Michelle Bowman noted on Friday that it was appropriate to recalibrate the Fed funds rate level, but she preferred a smaller first move as they have not yet achieved the inflation target. 
• Fed Governor Christopher Waller noted on Friday that the decision to cut interest rates by an accelerated 50 bps was the right call, but the US central bank could even pause, depending on further data. 

Technical Analysis: Gold price holds above $2,600 amid an overbought RSI 

The Gold price edges higher on the day. The precious metal keeps a strong bullish trend on the daily timeframe as the price is well-supported above the key 100-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA). However, the 14-day Relative Strength Index (RSI) stands above the midline near 70.50, indicating the overbought RSI condition. This suggests that further consolidation cannot be ruled out before positioning for any near-term Gold price rise. 

The yellow metal approaches a major resistance area near the all-time high at $2,625. A decisive break above this level could pave the way to the $2,700 psychological level. 

On the flip side, the first downside target emerges at the $2,600 round figure. A breach of this level could see a downward move back towards the resistance-turned-support level at $2,560. The next contention level is located at $2,485, the low of September 6. 

Interest rates FAQs

What are interest rates?

Interest rates are charged by financial institutions on loans to borrowers and are paid as interest to savers and depositors. They are influenced by base lending rates, which are set by central banks in response to changes in the economy. Central banks normally have a mandate to ensure price stability, which in most cases means targeting a core inflation rate of around 2%. If inflation falls below target the central bank may cut base lending rates, with a view to stimulating lending and boosting the economy. If inflation rises substantially above 2% it normally results in the central bank raising base lending rates in an attempt to lower inflation.

How do interest rates impact currencies?

Higher interest rates generally help strengthen a country’s currency as they make it a more attractive place for global investors to park their money.

How do interest rates influence the price of Gold?

Higher interest rates overall weigh on the price of Gold because they increase the opportunity cost of holding Gold instead of investing in an interest-bearing asset or placing cash in the bank. If interest rates are high that usually pushes up the price of the US Dollar (USD), and since Gold is priced in Dollars, this has the effect of lowering the price of Gold.

What is the Fed Funds rate?

The Fed funds rate is the overnight rate at which US banks lend to each other. It is the oft-quoted headline rate set by the Federal Reserve at its FOMC meetings. It is set as a range, for example 4.75%-5.00%, though the upper limit (in that case 5.00%) is the quoted figure. Market expectations for future Fed funds rate are tracked by the CME FedWatch tool, which shapes how many financial markets behave in anticipation of future Federal Reserve monetary policy decisions.

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