Gold

In today's gold forecast, we're witnessing a small rebound not only in gold prices but also across various asset classes, including the major European stock averages while yesterday saw crude oil recovery strongly to close around 1% higher.

Whilst gold has been under pressure over the past two days, there surely comes a point where dip buyers may want to seek the safety of the precious metal. And I suspect we’re very close to that point.

Later in the week, we will have the release of global PMIs, US GDP and the Fed’s favourite inflation measure – core PCE price index – all of which having the potential to impact the short-term gold forecast.

Gold futures traders waded into the metal ahead of the record high set last week. But if we adjust large speculative positioning for open interest, it turns out they reached a record level of bullish exposure five weeks ago.

Gold's failure to hold above the previous record highs has raised some concern that the metal may have hit a peak. However, I am doubtful that is the case and expect the precious metal to bounce back, potentially reaching a new record soon. So, my gold forecast remains bullish as before despite the metal extending lower at the start of this week.

Large speculators surged into GBP/USD long bets last week, pushing net-long exposure to a record high and at the fastest weekly pace since records began. They also continued to trim net-short exposure to yen futures for a second week, after it nearly reached a record high of its own.

A combination of factors drew WTI crude oil bulls from the side line on Wednesday, which brings $85 back into focus. Gold didn’t have such luck despite hitting a record high the day prior.

At a high level, the US dollar has not shown a consistent trend of strengthening or weakening in one month before, one week after, one month after, or one quarter after US Presidential Election days over the last 10 elections.

This week’s marquee economic release, the US CPI report, looms large as a potential breakout catalyst for Silver and Gold tomorrow.

Gold and silver have been strongly correlated with copper futures over the past fortnight. The negative correlation with the US dollar index, US two-year Treasury yields and Fed funds futures curve has also strengthened. Combined, it suggests base and precious metals are once again being driven by the US interest rate outlook.

Large speculators were on the cusp of reaching a record level of net-short exposure to yen futures last week, whilst they're also getting close to reaching net-long exposure to AUD/USD futures.

This week, it is all about US inflation, which puts the dollar and dollar-denominated assets like gold and silver in sharp focus. Despite their weaker start to the week, gold and silver may have long ways to go on the upside, I reckon. Our gold and silver forecast both remain positive.

Key risk events this week include Jerome Powell’s testimony to the Senate Banking Committee on Tuesday and a CPI report. Should Powell strike a dovish tone and CPI data come in soft, gold, silver and copper could be poised to rally.

Gold's rally paused for breath below resistance ahead of NFP, where volatility is expected. The ASX bumped its head at resistance and looks primed for a retracement lower during what could be a quiet session ahead of NFP.

Gold is trading modestly higher in light electronic trade owing to the US Independence Day holiday, US stock markets and treasury markets are closed. Revived hopes of a Fed rate cut and ongoing central bank buying support the precious meta.

Today’s data dump includes the ADP private payrolls, unemployment claims, factory orders and ISM services PMI. Friday will see the release of the June payrolls data. Judging by a weaker US dollar (outside of the USD/JPY pair), it looks like investors are expecting this week’s data to be overall on the weaker side. In any case, our bullish gold and silver forecast remain unchanged.

Today’s flattish performance of gold mirrors that of last month when gold traded mixed but managed to end as flat as a pancake by the close of play on Friday. The Dollar Index posted a slight monthly gain, indicating that gold investors largely ignored the dollar's strength. Throughout June, gold traded within a narrow range, peaking just above $2387 and bottoming just below $2287.