Gold edges higher after sharp selloff, Fed hike bets weigh
Traders now see a 100% probability of a rate increase in December
Gold prices rose on Wednesday (Nov 11) following a 3% decline the previous day, although gains were modest as robust US inflation data reinforced expectations of a Federal Reserve interest rate hike in the upcoming month, which negatively impacted the precious metal. Spot gold closed up 0.3% at $4,043.62 per ounce, after falling nearly 3% to $4,017.21 on Tuesday.
December gold futures experienced a 0.5% increase to $4,051.10. Analyst Matt Simpson of StoneX noted that traders are observing a technical correction, as bulls sell off positions and await the next market driver. The probability of a half-percentage point Fed rate hike next month reached 100% on Tuesday, up from 84% prior to the inflation data, according to CME’s FedWatch tool.
While gold is often viewed as an inflation hedge, an increase in interest rates raises the opportunity cost of owning non-yielding bullion, diminishing its attractiveness to investors. ANZ analyst Soni Kumari stated that the near-term macro environment for gold appears unfavorable. Fed Vice-Chair for Supervision Michelle Bowman echoed growing concerns that controlling inflation remains the central bank's primary objective.
Philadelphia Fed President Anna Paulson echoed this sentiment, indicating that the Fed will issue additional rate hikes to lower elevated inflation levels. Silver prices rose 1.7% to $52.38 per ounce, and palladium increased 1.3% to $1,038.38.
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