Gold Support Holding

Gold prices remain bid mid-week with the futures market up firmly of the 3,254.65 level. A weaker US Dollar and ongoing uncertainty around global geopolitical issues has seen demand for gold creeping up again.  In the US, the passing of Trump’s so-called ‘mega-bill’ through the Senate means that the prospect of a heavy uptick in the US national debt has moved one step closer. Gold prices look set to gain further if the bill makes it through the House as a deteriorating US fiscal outlook should see deeper safe-haven demand for gold and a weaker US Dollar.

US Jobs Data On Watch

Looking ahead, traders will be watching incoming US jobs data with the ADP print due today and the NFP tomorrow. Yesterday, a stronger than expected JOLTS figure caused some giveback in gold as USD firmed a little. Near-term, rate cut chances are still very much alive after Powell’s Sintra comments yesterday. As such, any weakness in the headline data tomorrow should see gold prices rallying sharply as USD falls on an uptick in July rate cut pricing. The market is currently pricing just 20% likelihood of a cut this month. However, if that figure jumps following tomorrow’s data, this could be firmly bullish for gold. Alternatively, if we see an upside surprise tomorrow, gold is likely to cool into the weekend as USD rebounds on reduced July rate-cut expectations.

Technical Views

Gold

The sell off in gold has stalled for now into the 3,254.65-level support and bull trend line. While this area holds, focus is on a fresh push higher and a test of the current YTD highs around the 3,493.81 level. Below current support, however, focus turns to 3,164.82 as deeper support to watch.