Gold Edges Higher With US Data and Trade Talks in Focus
Gold edged higher after a two-day decline as the market remained in wait-and-see mode in spite of data showing improving economic sentiment and signs of progress in trade talks.
Bullion rose as much as 0.7% to trade near $3,320 an ounce, while the dollar steadied. The precious metal settled 1.3% lower in Tuesday’s session after a strong US consumer confidence print signaled a more positive outlook for the US economy.
Investors also weighed improving trade relations between Washington and Brussels, with US President Donald Trump saying he was encouraged the bloc is expediting negotiations, just days after threatening 50% levies.
Read More: US and EU Race for Trade Deal With Six Weeks Until Truce Expires
Gold has climbed by more than a quarter so far this year, though prices are currently trading about $180 below an all-time-high set last month. Still, lingering risks continue to keep markets on edge and reinforce gold’s haven appeal. Investors are monitoring the swelling US deficit, uncertainty over global trade relations and geopolitical tensions in Ukraine and the Middle East.
Looking ahead, investors are gearing up for the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation measure, the US personal consumption expenditures price index excluding food and energy, which will be released Friday.
Spot gold was up 0.5% at $3,317.78 an ounce as of 9:47 a.m. in London. The Bloomberg Dollar Spot Index was steady, after gaining 0.5% on Tuesday. Silver, platinum and palladium rose.
Source: Bloomberg
