U.S. Dollar Surge Fuels Gold Sell-off

December Comex Gold futures broke sharply lower on Tuesday as a stronger U.S. Dollar offset demand for gold from weaker stock prices and increased tensions over Ukraine. The markets were closed yesterday because of a U.S. bank holiday and traders were focusing on Thursday’s European Central Bank announcement and Friday’s U.S. Non-Farm Payrolls report. So the short-sellers may have caught the buyers napping, triggering an acceleration to the downside.

Helping to boost the dollar today was a better-than-expected ISM Manufacturing PMI. The report showed a jump from 57.1 to 59.0. Traders had priced in a reading of 57.0. Construction spending also rose more than expected. This report showed an increase to 1.8% from -0.9%. The estimate was for a 0.9% gain.

The combination of the strong U.S. economic data and expectations of additional stimulus from the European Central Bank helped pressure the EUR/USD on Tuesday. Volume may be down this week ahead of the ECB meeting on Thursday. Although there is a downside bias this week ahead of the September 4 meeting, the low volume may create the right conditions for a volatile two-sided trade this week.

Today, the U.K. reported better-than-expected Construction PMI, but the news failed to attract fresh buyers. This is as sign that traders are more focused on the Bank of England monetary policy meeting on Thursday, September 4 and Friday’s U.S. Non-Farm Payrolls report.

October crude oil traded weaker on Tuesday. The strengthening U.S. economy may have helped the market rally last week, but this week’s surge in the dollar may have made the dollar-denominated crude oil market less desirable to foreign traders.

Oversupply is expected to continue to weigh on oil prices. The end of the summer driving season may also mean a drop in demand for gasoline and crude oil. The market may be in the process of forming a short-term bottom, but it may take several days to do it.

Keep in mind that volume is expected to be light until the end of the week. Be prepared, however, for volatile moves.