Gold prices retreat from record high as Fed signals caution
Gold prices retreated from their record high after Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell suggested that policymakers are not in a hurry to significantly lower interest rates in response to Wednesday’s 0.5% cut by the US central bank.
The Fed’s cautious approach to further rate cuts was seen as a potential headwind for gold, which typically benefits from looser monetary policy as it reduces the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding bullion.
However, analysts pointed out that gold could still see support from a number of factors, including global economic uncertainties, geopolitical tensions, and ongoing trade disputes, all of which tend to boost safe-haven demand for the precious metal.
Potential for further downside in gold prices
While the Fed’s stance on interest rates may put pressure on gold in the short term, some experts believe that the precious metal still has room to rally further in the coming months.
They argue that ongoing trade tensions between the US and China, as well as the looming risk of a global economic slowdown, could provide a bullish backdrop for gold prices to continue climbing. Additionally, the persistent low interest rate environment across major economies could also keep investor appetite for gold strong.
Overall, while the short-term outlook for gold may be clouded by the Fed’s cautious approach to rate cuts, the longer-term prospects for the precious metal remain favorable given the current economic and geopolitical landscape.