Gold futures prices plummeted on Tuesday, dipping below the crucial $2,300 per ounce level, as traders braced for a potential hawkish shift from the Federal Reserve in its upcoming policy decision. The precious metal, often viewed as a hedge against inflation, came under intense selling pressure amid concerns that the central bank could strike a more aggressive tone on future rate hikes.
As of 5:15 PM EDT, gold futures for the most active June contract traded $60.50 lower, or 2.57% down, settling at $2,297.20 per ounce. The sharp decline in prices reflects genuine apprehension among market participants that the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting might conclude with a notable change in language regarding inflation and monetary policy.
Traders widely anticipate that Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell will deliver a much more hawkish press conference, potentially signaling a slower pace of rate cuts or even a pause in the central bank's easing cycle. This sentiment gained traction after Powell recently acknowledged that current levels of inflation would require more time to achieve the 2% target, stating, "Inflation has eased over the past year but remains elevated."
Market observers expect Powell to highlight the recent strong economic indicators, including the core Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) index for March and the robust Gross Domestic Product (GDP) numbers. These data points could prompt the Federal Reserve to adopt a more cautious approach toward upcoming rate cuts, diverging from earlier expectations of more aggressive easing.
The latest inflation data revealed that the headline Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 3.5% year-over-year in March, while the core rate of inflation, excluding energy and food costs, advanced to 3.8% annually. This development could significantly alter the Federal Reserve's stance on the number and timing of rate cuts this year. Initially, the Fed had projected three quarter-point rate cuts through a series of moves, but market participants now anticipate only one or two smaller cuts, potentially occurring later in the year.
According to financial experts, the FOMC's potential shift in language regarding inflation and monetary easing bears significant implications for the markets. An acknowledgment of sustained high inflation rates could dampen hopes for imminent rate cuts, altering investment landscapes and risk assessments. If the FOMC opts to reduce the cap on Treasury balance sheet run-off, this could be interpreted as a cautious step towards tightening, albeit less aggressively than an outright rate hike.
The prospect of a more hawkish Federal Reserve, combined with the prevailing dollar strength, has exerted downward pressure on gold prices, driving futures below the critical $2,300 per ounce level. As traders await the FOMC's decision, the precious metal's trajectory will likely hinge on the central bank's assessment of inflation risks and its subsequent policy adjustments.
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