GOLD Analysis
  • 17 March, 2025 Rajesh Tatineni

GOLD Analysis

Afternoon: Gold Hits Record High at $3,000 Amid Fed Rate Cut Bets and Trade War

Highlights:

  • Gold surged to $3,000, marking a historic high due to risk aversion and Federal Reserve rate cut expectations.
  • US-EU trade tensions intensified, with Trump threatening a 200% tariff on European wine.
  • Strong central bank demand, especially from China, and ETF inflows further boosted gold prices.

 

Overview:

Gold prices soared to an unprecedented $3,000 per ounce, driven by escalating US trade tensions and increased expectations of Federal Reserve rate cuts. The sharp rally comes as investors seek safe-haven assets amid growing global uncertainties and a softer inflation outlook.

Key Drivers of the Rally:

  1. Escalation of US-EU Trade War:
    • President Donald Trump threatened a 200% tariff on European wine and other alcoholic products after the EU imposed a 50% tariff on American whiskey.
    • Rising tensions boosted demand for gold as a hedge against geopolitical risk.
  2. Federal Reserve Rate Cut Expectations:
    • Recent PPI and CPI data indicated easing inflation pressures, giving the Fed more flexibility to lower interest rates.
    • Lower rates reduce the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding gold, making it more attractive to investors.

 

  1. Central Bank and ETF Demand:
    • China increased gold purchases for the fourth consecutive month, supporting the metal's bullish momentum.
    • Strong ETF inflows further underpinned gold’s rally, with institutional investors increasing their holdings.
  2. Safe-Haven Demand Amid Uncertainty:
    • Concerns over global economic slowdown and geopolitical risks added to the appeal of gold as a safe-haven asset.

Technical Levels:

  • Support: $2,965 (Gold USD), 87,400 (Gold MCX)
  • Resistance: $3,015 (Gold USD), 88,600 (Gold MCX)

Market Outlook:

Gold is expected to remain bullish, with strong demand from central banks, ETFs, and retail investors.

  • Any dovish signals from the Fed or further escalation in trade tensions could push prices beyond the $3,015 resistance level.
  • However, profit booking around current levels may cause temporary pullbacks.

Action Plan:

  • Buy on dips near $2,980, targeting $3,010-$3,015, with a stop-loss below $2,970.
  • For MCX traders, buy around ₹87,800, targeting ₹88,400-₹88,600, with a stop-loss at ₹87,400