Gold prices continued to trade lower, now for the second consecutive day. As of 5:30 PM ET, the most active August gold futures contract was fixed at $2,309.40, down $22.30 or - 0.96%.
A primary factor driving gold's decline is the strengthening U.S. dollar, which reached a 38-year high against the Japanese yen. Japan's top currency diplomat, Masato Kanda, expressed serious concern about the yen's rapid devaluation. The Bank of Japan's (BOJ) decision to maintain its low-interest-rate policy and bond-buying stimulus until July has contributed to the yen's weakness. Currently, the dollar is up 1.140 or +0.71% against the yen and fixed at 106.811. The dollar has also risen 0.43% taking the index to106.098.
Adding to the pressure on gold are rising U.S. Treasury yields, which increased by 5-7 basis points across the curve. A recent auction of five-year notes showed solid results, with above-average non-dealer bidding.
Recent statements from Federal Reserve officials have further influenced market sentiment. Fed Governor Lisa Cook acknowledged progress on inflation and a gradually cooling labor market but did not specify a timeline for rate cuts. Meanwhile, Fed Governor Michelle Bowman stated that it was not yet time to begin decreasing interest rates and even suggested the possibility of rate hikes if inflation persists.
These developments come just ahead of the crucial Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) report, due on Friday. Economists polled by Dow Jones Newswires and the Wall Street Journal anticipate a deceleration in consumer prices for the previous month. The "core" PCE, excluding food and energy costs, is expected to reach its lowest level since March 2021.
If the PCE report aligns with forecasts, it could indicate that inflation is moving towards the Fed's target. This might encourage the Federal Reserve to consider lowering its benchmark rate as early as September, despite recent hawkish statements from some Fed officials.
Fed Chairman Jerome Powell previously emphasized the need for greater confidence in economic data before making policy adjustments. A favorable PCE report could provide the beginning of the "string of good economic data" that the Fed is looking for, potentially paving the way for earlier rate cuts than recently suggested by Governors Cook and Bowman.
The combination of dollar strength, rising yields, and mixed signals from Fed officials continues to create a challenging environment for gold prices in the short term. However, the upcoming PCE report could significantly influence the Fed's future policy decision, and as such influence market sentiment for gold.
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