Gold prices retreated slightly yesterday. Bullions saw some pressure after Eurozone Inflation figures and the US after unemployment claims data.
The dollar strengthened after unemployment claims pointed to a strong U.S. jobs market. That along with other data showing growing labor costs indicates the Federal Reserve will keep interest rates higher for longer. Which put pressure on bullions prices.
The yield on two-year Treasury notes, which are sensitive to interest rate expectations. Shot to levels last seen in July 2007 at 4.944% as the market perceived the Fed will raise rates further to tame sticky inflation.
The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment fell again last week, pointing to a still strong jobs market. Another Labor Department report showed labor costs grew much faster than previously estimated in the fourth quarter.
Adding to this, the euro slid on data that showed inflation in the euro zone was not as high. As investors had feared but remained elevated. Inflation eased to 8.5% from 8.6% in January on lower energy prices.
The dollar index, a basket of major trading currencies, rose 0.469%, while the euro fell 0.5% to $1.0612.
The market reaction to the euro zone data was initially muted following the euro’s 0.9% against the dollar on Wednesday. its biggest daily jump in a month, after data that showed prices in Germany rose more than hoped last month.
The hotter-than-expected German inflation in February came after unexpectedly strong readings in France and Spain. reinforcing the case for the European Central Bank to keep raising interest rates.
Investors now see the ECB’s 2.5% deposit rate rising by a combined 100 basis points in March and May, then to around 4.1% at the turn of the year. Markets have priced in an extra 50 basis points of hikes in just the past month.
Technical – Gold having crucial support at 55580
Gold prices swung in between gains and losses yesterday. It retreated from the day’s high of 55925 and made a low of 55705 before closing at 55739.
Since 28 February 2023, Gold prices rebounded from the low 55132 and recently made high 56020.
On the daily chart, prices struggling to break its massive resistance of 56055, coincided with 23.6% Fibonacci Retracement.
Further, a high wave candlestick formation on the chart is indicating indecisiveness in the near future. However, a strong dollar amid US rate hike jitters is expected to hold Gold prices under pressure.
On the downside, a break below 55580 may witness selling pressure towards immediate support 55450-55320. On the upside, massive resistance is seen at 56080 a break above only will open the door for next resistance 56280-56450