Gold prices (XAU/USD) retreated on Tuesday after comments from central bankers dampened hopes of interest rate cuts. The precious metal, which offers no interest itself, becomes less attractive when investors can earn higher returns on bonds and cash in a rising interest rate environment.
Reasons for the Pullback:
- Central Banks Signal Hawkish Stance: Fed and RBA officials indicated a reluctance to cut rates and even hinted at the possibility of hikes. This shift in outlook reduced the appeal of gold.
Bullish Counterweights:
- Geopolitical Tensions: Ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine continue to fuel safe-haven demand for gold.
- Emerging Market Gold Demand: Gold hoarding by BRICS central banks as a hedge against potential sanctions provides some support.
Technical Analysis:
- Shooting Star Pattern: The formation of a Shooting Star candlestick on Monday, followed by a potential red day on Tuesday, suggests a possible bearish reversal.
- RSI Divergence: The Relative Strength Index (RSI) shows a bearish divergence with the price chart, indicating a potential correction.
- Support Levels: A pullback might find support at the upward trendline in the $2,360s.
Overall:
The recent pullback could be a temporary correction within a longer-term bullish trend for gold. However, the direction will likely depend on the future trajectory of interest rates, geopolitical developments, and investor sentiment.
