The Federal Reserve’s recent announcement indicated a shift to just a single rate cut in 2024, contrasting sharply with the three cuts previously forecasted in March.
This policy shift has driven investors away from gold, which thrives in lower interest rate environments.
Dollar’s Stability Affects Gold
Despite a temporary dip due to softer consumer price index figures, the U.S. dollar regained strength, further pressuring gold prices. The greenback’s recovery was supported by the Fed’s hawkish stance, underscoring gold’s challenges in a strengthening dollar environment.
Central Banks’ Impact and Market Outlook
Adding complexity to gold’s outlook is the activity of major central banks, such as the People’s Bank of China, which reportedly paused its gold buying in May. This has compounded the pressures on gold, alongside the Fed’s rate adjustments.
Nevertheless, some market analysts, including those at Citi, project that gold could potentially escalate to as high as $3,000 per ounce over the next year, reflecting a significant rebound if conditions align.
Short-Term Forecast
Gold prices linger near recent lows, impacted by the Federal Reserve’s update, which anticipates only one rate cut in 2024. This adjustment, coupled with a resilient U.S. dollar, caps gold’s short-term appeal at $2,310.33.