Gold hits over 2-week low as investors book profit; US data in focus
Published by
ScrapPrices
Published on July 25,2024 08:00 AM Metals
Gold prices slipped to its lowest in over two weeks on Thursday as profit-taking kicked in after gold's recent rally, while traders awaited U.S. economic data that could offer more cues on when the central bank will cut interest rates .
Gold hits over 2-week low as investors book profit; US data in focus

July 25 (Reuters) - Gold prices slipped to its lowest in over two weeks on Thursday as profit-taking kicked in after gold's recent rally, while traders awaited U.S. economic data that could offer more cues on when the central bank will cut interest rates .

Spot gold fell 1.4% to $2,364.57 per ounce by 1521 GMT, having touched its lowest since July 9. U.S. gold futures dropped about 2.2% to $2,363.70.

"There's definitely some profit taking going on triggered by the weakness in the US equity markets that was more than just a sell off," said Marex analyst Edward Meir.

Gold hit an all-time high of $2,483.60 last week on growing optimism for an interest-rate cut from the U.S. Federal Reserve in September.

Former New York Fed President Bill Dudley said the Fed should cut rates next week in a Bloomberg column on Wednesday, citing recent employment data.

Markets see a 100% chance of a rate cut in September, according to the CME FedWatch Tool. Non-yielding bullion's appeal tends to shine in a low-interest rate environment.

Traders now await the U.S. personal consumption expenditure (PCE) data - the Fed's preferred inflation gauge - due on Friday.

"We've been on a steep rise in the gold and silver market as of late... so a combination of long liquidation and profit taking from the recent runs exacerbated the selling pressure," said David Meger, director of alternative investments and trading at High Ridge Futures.

Meanwhile, China's net gold imports via Hong Kong slumped 18% in June from the previous month, Hong Kong Census and Statistics Department data showed on Thursday, as the recent surge in gold prices weighed on jewellery demand.

Elsewhere, spot silver shed 3.8% to $27.89 per ounce on the day, hitting a 11-week low.

Platinum eased 1.4% to $934.95, near a three-month low, and palladium slipped 2.3% to $911.63.

MORE METALS NEWS
September 05,2024 06:00 AM
Gold prices rose to near one-week highs on Thursday, on the back of a weaker U.S. dollar and lower yields after signs of labour market losing steam led investors to expect a super-sized rate cut from the Federal Reserve this month.
September 02,2024 07:00 AM
A group of 14 Chinese smelters, accounting for around 70% of the country's refined zinc production, agreed earlier this month to adjust planned maintenance and postpone commissioning new capacity in a bid to preserve operating margins.
August 29,2024 07:00 AM
Gold prices gained 1% on Thursday, fuelled by strong expectations of a Federal Reserve rate cut in September with investors focusing on U.S. inflation data for further insights on the potential size of the cut.