XAU/USD Price Forecast: US PPI & Retail Sales Could Push Gold to $1900

XAU/USD FUNDAMENTAL BACKDROP

Gold prices remain under pressure this Thursday after yesterday’s US CPI report showed elevated headline inflation despite a softer core inflation read. This translates through to sustained tight monetary policy by the Federal Reserve. Energy was the primary contributor to the higher headline figure and with crude oil prices expected to remain buoyant, the ‘higher for longer’ narrative is gaining traction. There may not be any additional rate hikes but rate cuts could be pushed back. If we look at money market pricing below, markets expect a rate cut around June 2024 but with data dependency holding sway over the Fed, this could easily change.

IMPLIED FED FUNDS FUTURES

Later today, gold traders will look to US PPI, jobless claims and retail sales (see economic calendar below) for guidance. Initial jobless claims has been on a downward trajectory recently thus highlighting the robust US labor market and adding to hawkish bets. Should this be the case alongside higher PPI, gold could breakdown further. It is important to remember that PPI is known as a leading indicator for CPI as a rise in producer costs tend to transfer over to the consumer.

GOLD ECONOMIC CALENDAR

TECHNICAL ANALYSIS

GOLD PRICE DAILY CHART

Daily XAU/USD price action is now trading below both the 50-day and 200-day (blue) moving averages respectively. This bearish momentum (augmented by the Relative Strength Index (RSI)) brings into consideration the 1900.00 psychological support level. Strong US data and sticky PPI numbers could result in a retest of this support zone.