Powell Acknowledges Inflation Fall

Gold prices are pushing higher today with the futures market testing resistance around the all-time highs on Tuesday. Growing expectations of forthcoming Fed easing are helping drive the move higher as gold bulls capitalise on fresh USD weakness. Speaking yesterday, Fed chairman Powell noted that the last three inflation readings had strengthened his confidence that US inflation is heading back to target.

Fed Easing Expectations

Pricing for a September rate cut has jumped sharply in recent weeks with the CME group now pricing a more than 90% chance of a cut, a stark jump from the roughly 55% pricing we saw ahead of the latest US CPI reading. Indeed, with a September cut now almost fully priced in, traders are looking ahead to the chances of a further cut this year with at least one further .25% reduction seen in Q4.

Bullish Gold Outlook

While this easing narrative gains traction, USD is likely to remain pressured which should keep gold supported. Looking ahead, US retail sales today will be closely watched. Any weakness in incoming US data should feed into easing expectations, giving gold and additional boost ahead of the July FOMC later this month.

Technical Views

Gold

The rally in gold has seen the market breaking back above the 2,364.93 level with price now testing the 2,427.54-level resistance and the bull channel highs. With momentum studies bullish, focus is on a breakout to fresh highs. Should we see any downside correction, 2,275.43 will be the main support area to note.