Gold Holds Firm as Fed Cut Hopes Trump Dollar Strength

19 August 2025, 05:59

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Key Takeaways:

* Gold steadied as dollar softness offset the drag from higher bond yields, keeping the metal anchored above key support.
* While safe-haven demand is capped by easing U.S.–China trade tensions, underlying growth concerns continue to lend resilience.
* Prices remain range-bound as markets balance Fed rate-cut bets against signs of cooling global demand.

Market Summary:

Gold prices retreated as a combination of easing geopolitical risks and hotter U.S. inflation data weighed on the metal’s appeal. The Trump-Putin summit in Alaska, while failing to produce a ceasefire in Ukraine, provided enough reassurance to reduce safe-haven flows. Trump’s decision to delay secondary sanctions on Chinese buyers of Russian oil was interpreted as a sign of restraint, easing fears of near-term supply shocks and lifting risk appetite across global markets. Investors responded by rotating into equities and higher-risk currencies, trimming exposure to bullion.

The shift in sentiment coincided with last week’s upside surprise in U.S. PPI, which jumped 0.9% MoM—the largest rise in over two years. The data clouded the outlook for Fed easing, reducing the likelihood of aggressive rate cuts that would normally support gold. With markets still pricing a 25bps cut in September, expectations for a larger 50bps move appear less certain, particularly as services inflation remains elevated. This policy recalibration has added to gold’s near-term headwinds, with higher-for-longer interest rates limiting upside momentum.

Still, the longer-term backdrop for gold remains mixed. While the easing of geopolitical stress has triggered near-term weakness, underlying risks in Ukraine, alongside broader U.S.–China tariff tensions, could quickly reignite safe-haven demand. Moreover, concerns over ballooning U.S. debt and the sustainability of fiscal dynamics may also lend structural support. For now, however, traders appear content to pare exposure, with gold’s direction likely hinging on whether incoming inflation data revives dovish Fed expectations or geopolitical shocks reassert haven demand.

Technical Analysis

XAUUSD, H4

Gold (XAU/USD) is consolidating just above the $3,320 level, currently trading near $3,344 after retreating from last week’s high around $3,399. The metal has been capped below the 100-period moving average at $3,362, with the short-term trend leaning sideways to slightly bearish as sellers continue to defend the $3,362–$3,399 resistance band.

Momentum indicators reflect the cautious tone. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) is hovering at 46, just below the 50-neutral line, suggesting indecision and a lack of strong bullish momentum. The MACD, while marginally positive, remains below the signal line, with the histogram still subdued pointing to a market awaiting fresh direction.

Overall, gold is in a consolidation phase, with price action caught between $3,320 support and $3,362 resistance. A breakout on either side of this range is likely to dictate the next directional move, with bulls needing to reclaim higher ground to shift momentum back in their favor.

Resistance level: 3362.25, 3399.00

Support level: 3320.00, 3280.80