Thursday, November 4, 2010

Gold appraoches 1400

Gold is still bounded in range of 1315.8 and 1388.1 in spite of all the volatility. Intraday bias remains neutral and another dip could still be seen to 38.2% retracement of 1155.6 to 1388.1 at 1299.3 before the consolidation concludes. On the upside, though, decisive break of 1388.1 high will confirm up trend resumption for 1400 psychological level next.

In the bigger picture, rise from 1155.6 is treated as the fifth wave of the five wave sequence from 1044.5, which should also be fifth wave of the rally from 681 (2008 low). While a short term top is in place at 1388.1, there is no confirmation of reversal yet. Recent up trend could still extend further to 161.8% projection of 931.3 to 1227.5 from 1044.5 at 1449.6 before completion. Though, we're aware of long term projection target of 100% projection of 253 to 1033.9 from 681 at 1462 and we'd anticipate strong resistance from there to bring medium term correction finally. On the downside, however, break of 1266.5 resistance turned support will be an early alert of medium term reversal and will turn focus back to 1155.6 support for confirmation.

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

GOLD - Set To Strengthen To 1,249.28

After a fifth day of recovery on Friday to end the week higher and taking back part of its weakness started from the 1,249.28 level, the commodity now looks to strengthen further towards the 1,226.33. It traded to as higher as 1,217.88 in today's trading session. A decisive break through its 2009 high at 1,226.33 is required to create scope for further strength towards the 1,249.28 level, its 2010 high with a break of there setting the stage for a move higher towards the 1,300 levels, its psychological levels and next the 1,350 level. Note that our overall outlook remains to the upside longer term. On any pullbacks, its psycho level residing at 1,200 will be targeted ahead of the 1,166.03 level, its May 21'10 low. A cap is expected here to turn the commodity back up in its original direction. Further out, the 1,156.90 level, its May 05'10 comes in as the next support. All in all, though Gold is now on the offensive, it requires a break and hold above the 1,249.28 level to resume its longer term uptrend.

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Greek Uncertainty Pushes Gold Back

Profit taking has caused a decline in gold in early trading after it reached a week's high yesterday at $1159.84, as the Greek government requested the deployment of the 45 billion euro aid package provided by the EU and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Gold reached $1155.85 today, retreating 0.2%, while platinum rose by 0.6% to $1753.25. Palladium gained 1.7% advancing to $572.70 and silver ascended by 0.2% to $18.373.

The greenback appreciated against the euro after the German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schauble announced that Greece needs to provide clear commitment and plans on how to reduce its deficit in 2011 and 2012 and not only this year in order to receive further aid packages from the EU members. This may raise doubts whether Germany, the biggest contributor to the aid package, will show consent in aiding Greece.

The markets are in an alert state as they wait for the Greek finance minister to negotiate fund for the debt that matures May 19. All eyes are on Germany which may back away from the aid package aimed at reducing the 12.7% Greek budget deficit.

Gold is expected to remain stable at current prices, until a final solution for the Greek crisis will be found. The future outlook for precious metals is nonetheless bright, as platinum and palladium will be supported by Asian growing industries, while gold and silver will benefit from the global financial recovery.

S&P GSCI closed unchanged yesterday at 548.86, while RJ/CRB lost 0.67 points and closed at 278.38.

Gold futures due June at 2:44 EST fell by 0.05% to $1153.400, while silver futures retreated by 0.099% to reach $18.270 and copper futures fell by 3.600% to $351.200.

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Consolidation likely for gold.

Gold closed lower due to long covering on Tuesday as it consolidated some of the rally off last week's low. The low-range close sets the stage for a steady to lower opening on Wednesday. Stochastics and the RSI are overbought and are turning neutral hinting that a short-term high might be in or is near. Closes above the 20-day moving average crossing would confirm that a short-term top has been posted. If it extends this week's decline, February's low crossing is the next downside target.

Monday, March 29, 2010

Gold Prices Decline On Renewed Greece Budget Fears

The precious-metal prices are slightly changed while there are anticipations that Greece's budget woes continue which in the future will boost the dollar as investors seek safe-haven assets therefore reducing the appeal of gold as an alternative investment.

Friday, gold rose $15.70 or 1.44% to close at $1107.28 an ounce while the dollar lost strength six major currencies which are measured by the Dollar Index, declined Friday to close at 81.23 while recording a high of 81.38 and a low of 81.22.

Among other precious metals; platinum is traded at $1605.50 from $1597.50; palladium at $459.50 from $455.70; silver at $17.08 from $17.00; while, copper is at $346.86 from $346.30. Turning to commodity futures we see last week Friday, S&P GSCI closed at 512.99 points recording a high of 519.82 points and a low of 511.40 points while RJ/CRB Commodity closed at 267.32 points recording a high of 269.12 points and a low of 266.64.

SPDR gold trust, the largest exchange-traded fund backed by bullion in the world, stood steady at 1,124.64 metric tons. Gold was set in London on Friday at $1096.50 per ounce declining from $1098.00 per ounce during the AM fixing.

In addition, stocks in Asia climbed as a result of commodity and bank stocks rising while metal prices rose while China Petroleum & Chemical and China Construction Bank Corp. posting higher earnings.

Turning to oil, we see that prices are rising as a result of projections that there will be higher demand on fuel as a result of global economic recovery occurring therefore encouraging investors to enter oil markets as they seek potential in profits.

Currently, spot gold is traded at $1111.92 an ounce recording a high of $1112.80 an ounce and a low of $1105.55 an ounce.

Friday, March 26, 2010

Gold Regains Slightly As The Strong Dollar Continues Its Trend

Gold regained strength on Thursday but a strong greenback capped gains while uncertainties about the outcome of a European Union summit drove some investors away. 'There's a bit of physical buying and this is expected because the price has dropped nearly $20,' said a dealer in Hong Kong. 'But sentiment has turned bearish because we have broken several key support levels.' Uncertainty about currencies and debt problems in the euro zone had pushed up gold prices last week despite a stronger dollar, but dealers said buying had dissipated after bullion failed to sustain the gains. Gold is trading at $1,083 as of 21:34pm, GMT, with a bearish trend. Gold's Pool-Position is 43% Long, meaning that most Finotec clients are selling the precious metal.

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Gold Rebounds Ahead Of The EU Summit

Precious-Gold rebounds from its lowest level in six weeks hit yesterday as the dollar halted its rally ahead of the EU Summit two-day meeting starting today. Meanwhile, gold is traded at $1091.90 an ounce after getting support at $1084.00 levels.

Yesterday, gold shed $15.30 or 1.39% to close at $1087.25 an ounce. Gold Price was set in London on Wednesday at $1090.75 per ounce during the PM fixing declining from $1094.00 at the AM fixing.

However, gold rose today as the U.S. dollar stopped its advance against majors as seen by the dollar index, which tracks the dollar movements versus a basket of major currencies, which fell to 81.79. The dollar index inclined after breaching resistance at 81.30 the previous day but stalled its rise after hitting resistance at 81.90, where it could not stay above it after reaching a high of 82.05.

The largest boost given by the dollar index was from the euro which represents 57.6% of the index as it is currently traded near 10-month low against the green currency. Still, the outlook for the 16-nation currency is frightening due to concerns surrounding the bailout of Greece.

It seems that Greece will not receive an aid after the EU Summit, especially as Germany referred that the IMF is optimal solution for helping Greece. The euro is predicted to remain under pressure with the high deficit problems spilling over EU members. Fitch Ratings lowered Portugal's sovereign credit rating to AA-minus from AA yesterday and said that it sees negative outlook for the country. Spain is also suffering from high debt along with other macroeconomic problems.

The depreciation of the euro is affecting gold that dropped $18 since Monday. The shiny metal reached high records last year as a hedge against inflation on the back of the huge spending by governments and central banks all over the world, but now with the decline in inflation levels and gradual scale back of stimulus gold may lose momentum again.

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Gold Tries to Recover From $1100 Reversion

Gold dove back below its highly psychological $1100/oz level and set new March lows after a wave of risk aversion hit the FX markets. Investors fled to the Dollar after Fitch lowered Portugal’s credit rating. With Greece’s financial assistance plan still up in the air, another debt scare in the EU has accelerated Dollar flows in risk aversion, highlighted by large gains in the USD/JPY. Gold has reacted negatively to today’s development since the precious metal tends to have a negative correlation with the Greenback. However, downside movements in gold have been somewhat limited compared to the selloffs taking place in the EUR/USD and Cable. Gold has managed to regain its footing before a retest of February lows. However, we’ll have to see how the trading session progresses since problems in the EU could continue to benefit the Dollar. U.S. New Home Sales just printed below analyst expectations, which could help buoy gold and deflate the Dollar intraday since it works against speculation that the Fed will raise sooner than anticipated, a Dollar negative. We notice slight strength in the Cable and EUR/USD in reaction to the news, though we’ll see whether it has staying power. All eyes will be on the EU summit tomorrow, although expectations have been lowered by persistent rebuttals from Germany. The EU, UK and U.S. will also through in some data points, making tomorrow’s trading session a bit interesting.

Technically speaking, gold has intraday and February 2010 lows serving as technical cushions along with the psychological $1075/oz level should it be tested. As for the topside, gold faces multiple downtrend lines along with 2/25 and intraday highs. Meanwhile, the psychological $1100/oz level could continue to have an influence on gold as long as the precious metal remains within striking distance.

Present Price: $1092.50/oz
Resistances: $1093.37/oz, $1094.92/oz, $1096.18/oz, $1097.26/oz, $1098.10/oz, $1099.32/oz
Supports: $1092.23/oz, $1091.40/oz, $1089.78/oz, $1088.72/oz, $1086.90/oz
Psychological: $1100/oz, February lows

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Gold Declines with Risk Aversion

Gold is pulling back slightly as risk aversion hits the FX markets. Greece has set up a showdown with Germany by giving the EU one week to come up with financial assistance measures before it heads to the IMF for help. Germany has been calling Greece’s bluff by publicly contemplating the possibility of Greece going to the IMF. However, Trichet recently stated that the ECB feels it would be unwise to go this route. In all, the increase in uncertainty has triggered a large selloff in the Euro which is weighing down on gold and leading investors towards the Dollar for safety. However, Gold’s intraday losses have been minimal thus far compared to the pullback in the EUR/USD. Therefore, it will be interesting to see whether the precious metal can continue to hold strong above 3/18 highs and avoid a more sizable downturn in the process. The data wire will be relatively quiet tomorrow, meaning attention could continue to be focused on the EU and any other psychological developments.

Technically speaking, gold faces multiple downtrend lines along with intraday, 3/16and 3/17 highs. As for the downside, gold still has multiple uptrend lines serving as technical cushions along with 3/18 lows and the highly psychological $1100/oz level should it be tested.

Present Price: $1120.20/oz

Resistances: $1120.40, $1121.84, $1122.65/oz, $1124.27/oz, $1125.63/oz, $1127.33/ oz

Supports: $1118.51/oz, $1117.66/oz, $1116.00/oz, $1114.53/oz, $1112.84/oz

Psychological: $1100/oz, $1150/oz, March highs and lows

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Gold Yields Following Solid Pop

Gold experienced a solid rally yesterday as the precious metal’s negative correlation with the Dollar kicked back into 1st gear. The Cable, Aussie, and EUR/USD all experienced topside breakouts yesterday in the wake of the Fed’s decision to maintain its loose monetary policy stance for the foreseeable future. Yesterday’s return to the risk trade certain benefitted gold as the precious jumped from $1100/oz and peaked just above $1130/oz and our new 3rd tier downtrend line. Our 3rd tier runs through previous March highs, or the $1145/oz area. Hence, if gold can manage to break past our 3rd tier this could indicate more substantial near-term gains. Meanwhile, investors should keep an eye on the Greenback and monitor the ability of the risk trade to expand on yesterday’s gains. The Cable did break through some key downtrend lines and the Aussie is continuing its steady ascent, creating a favorable correlative environment for gold. Bernanke will testify before congress this afternoon, a potential market mover. Additionally, the U.S. will print a wave of data tomorrow. Hence, activity could pick back up this afternoon and during tomorrow’s U.S. session. Additionally, investors should keep an eye out for any more psychological developments hitting the wire regarding EU and UK fiscal problems since these headlines can jolt currencies as well.

Technically speaking, gold faces multiple downtrend lines along with intraday, 3/5and 3/3 highs. As for the downside, gold still has multiple uptrend lines serving as technical cushions along with intraday, 3/9, and 3/11 lows.

Present Price: $1123.20/oz

Resistances: $1124.29, $1125.52, $1127.77/oz, $1129.41/oz, $1131.05/oz, $1132.48/ oz

Supports: $1121.83/oz, $1120.39/oz, $1118.34/oz, $1116.70/oz, $1114.50/oz, $1112.81/oz

Psychological: $1100/oz, $1150/oz, March highs and lows

Friday, March 12, 2010

Gold Inclines As The U.S. Dollar Slides

The yellow metal surged on Friday as the U.S. dollar slumped against majors which enhanced demand on gold as an alternative investment.

Yesterday, gold gained $1.40 or 0.13% to close at $1109.32 an ounce. Gold Price was set in London on Thursday at $1106.00 per ounce during the PM fixing inclining from $1104.00 at the AM fixing. SPDR gold trust, the world's largest exchange-traded fund backed by bullion, remained at 1,115.51 metric tons on March 11.

Today, gold prices climbed to $1113.44 an ounce after recording a high of $1114.00 and a low of $1107.80. The shiny metal took advantage of the dollar's fall and the oil's rally. The U.S. dollar plunged against a basket of major currencies as seen by the dollar index on the daily charts. The index dropped to 80.09 close to strong support at 80.07.

On the other hand, oil little changed today but still traded above $82 a barrel ahead of the release of retail sales and confidence in the U.S. Actually, gold gained in the previous period as a safe haven due to the escalating debt woes in Greece, but it may halt its advance as the problem eases. EU policy makers will meet Greek officials this week end and they might bailout Greece as announced this month by President Sarkozy.

Moreover, another downward pressure may come from the start of tightening of monetary measures by central banks all over the world. China's inflation rose yesterday to 16-month high and industrial production jumped to the highest in more than five years which is raising concerns the Chinese central bank would unwind stimulus faster than expected.

Gold lost more than seven percent since reaching its historical high in December last year and it is girding for its first weekly drop in four. With regard to other precious metals, platinum edged up to $1612.50 from the day's opening at $1609.20; palladium soared to $460.00 from $457.70; and silver inclined to $17.23 from $17.15, as of 08:55 GMT.

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Gold Steadies As The Dollar Halts Its Rise For The Time Being

Gold steadied on Wednesday after the euro bounced slightly higher against the U.S. dollar though weaker oil prices could prompt new selling, traders said. Dealers noted early bargain hunting from Chinese speculators but gold prices were susceptible to sharp movements due to low volumes. Platinum and palladium slipped in early trade but held near recent highs. Gold was around 2 percent below a 6-1/2-week high near $1,150 hit in early March. Several attempts to revisit a lifetime high around $1,200 struck in early December were met by heavy profit taking but steady investor interest could lend Support. Gold is trading at $1,108 as of 21:20pm, GMT, with a bullish trend.

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Gold Drops Amid Risk Aversion

Gold has tacked onto yesterday’s 1% pullback in reaction to a broad-based downturn in the risk trade. Hence, it seems gold is following its negative correlation with the Dollar once again. On the bright side, gold has avoided a retest of its highly psychological $1100/oz level and remains above the lower band of its trading range. Hence, the possibility of a return of gold’s upward momentum is not out of the question as investors lock in profits over the past couple trading sessions. Much will depend on the Dollar’s reaction to upcoming economic data releases from China over the next couple trading sessions. Strong Chinese data could favor the risk trade and send gold higher, whereas negative data could very well have the opposite effect. Meanwhile, it will be interesting to see of gold can stabilize above its highly psychological $1100/oz level. Additionally, our new 1st tier uptrend line could serve as a key support since it runs through February lows, or the $1090/oz area.

Technically speaking, we’ve formed two new makeshift downtrend lines running through 3/2 and 3/3 levels to give investors an idea of present resistance. Additionally, gold must face previous March highs and the psychological $1050/oz area to the topside. As for the downside, gold still has multiple uptrend lines serving as technical cushions, highlighted by our 1st tier as we mentioned before. Furthermore, gold has the psychological $1100/oz level working in its favor should it be tested.

Present Price: $1113.24/oz

Resistances: $1114.21/oz, $1116.63/oz, $1118.75/oz, $1121.05/ oz, $1123.03/oz, $1124.97/oz

Supports: $1112.11/oz, $1110.07/oz, $1107.26/oz, $1104.71/oz, $1101.73/oz, $1099.20/oz

Psychological: $1100/oz, $1150/oz, January Highs, March highs and Lows

Monday, March 8, 2010

Consolidation likely for gold.

Actually, gold is moving within very sensitive areas that represent 76.4% Fibonacci level for the downside rally from 1162.00 to 1044.00, while 1137.00 zones represent 127% from the BC leg of a suggested bearish harmonic AB=CD pattern. Therefore we believe that the metal could pullback to the downside during this week. A break of 1162.00 is able to damage this bearish anticipation and if that occurred, the pivotal resistance areas of 1185.00 could be retested easily. Stochastic and AROON support this negative scenario.

The trading range for this week is among the key support at 1095.00 and key resistance now at 1185.00.

The general trend is to the upside as far as 865.00 remains intact with targets at 1249.00.

Support: 1132.00, 1125.00, 1109.00, 1102.00, 1095.00
Resistance: 1144.00, 1151.00, 1155.00, 1162.00, 1176.00

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Gold Tops and Declines

Gold has topped out and is trading back around $1130/oz following the precious metal’s solid topside breakout. Gold is heading lower following a negative reaction to U.S. data revealing a large decline in Pending Home Sales. Today’s discouraging U.S. housing figure sent investors towards the Dollar for safety, knocking the risk trade and dragging gold lower with it. The precious metal was outperforming lately despite the Dollar’s strength. However, gold is playing along today and some profit taking isn’t surprising since the precious metal was getting awfully close to its psychological $1150/oz level and previous 2010 highs. Meanwhile, the markets could end the trading session on a volatile note with an important EU meeting tomorrow followed by key U.S. employment data. The U.S. will release its Non-Farm Employment Change and headline Unemployment Rate figures. Although the ADP printed about in line with expectations on Wednesday, the advance number has been known to be somewhat unreliable in the past. Therefore, investors should keep an eye on the Dollar’s reaction to tomorrow’s news and data events.

Technically speaking, we’ve formed two new makeshift downtrend lines running through 3/3 levels to give investors an idea of present resistance. Gold is still well above downtrend lines running through 2/19 and 1/11 highs, meaning there aren’t any foreseeable noteworthy downtrend lines in play right now. As for the downside, gold has multiple uptrend lines serving as technical cushions along with 3/2 lows. Additionally, the highly psychological $1100/oz level could serve as a reliable technical cushions should it be tested.

Present Price: $1128.95/oz

Resistances: $1131.07/oz, $1134.88/oz, $1138.68/oz, $1140.96/ oz, $1143.46/oz, $1146.29/oz

Supports: $1126.71/oz, $1123.03/oz, $1120.42/oz, $1117.76/oz, $1114.72/oz, $1110.53/oz

Psychological: $1100/oz, $1125/oz, $1150/oz, January Highs, March Lows

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Gold Floats Around $1100/oz Despite Risk Aversion

Gold is floating just beneath its highly psychological $1100/oz level despite broad-based risk aversion in the FX markets. The Cable, Aussie, USD/JPY and EUR/USD have all made large legs down today amid fresh uncertainty in Greece. Additionally, economic data from around the globe was less than encouraging, particularly the rise in weekly U.S. Unemployment Claims. Today’s negative psychological and fundamental developments have led investors for safety, reflected in the downturn in the risk trade. However, gold is holding up very well considering the rise in the Dollar and Yen. Gold has been negatively correlated with the Dollar, making its present stability intriguing. Meanwhile, the risk trade is trying to right itself at the moment, so it will be interesting to see if gold can pop back above $1100/oz regardless of strength in the Dollar. The UK and U.S. will both release GDP data tomorrow, meaning volatility in the FX markets could end the week on a volatile note. Hence, gold may follow suit if the Dollar’s run continues.

Technically speaking, gold faces multiple downtrend lines along with 2/24 and 2/23 highs. As for the downside, gold has multiple uptrend lines serving as technical cushions along with intraday and 2/12 lows. Furthermore, the psychological $1100/oz level could continue to play an influential role over the near-term.

Present Price: $1093.80/oz

Resistances: $1094.34/oz, $1096.04/oz, $1098.51/oz, $1100.74/ oz, $1103.10/oz, $1106.18/oz

Supports: $1091.58/oz, $1089.87/oz, $1087.66/oz, $1085.21/oz, $1083.25/oz, $1080.79/oz

Psychological: $1100/oz, $1125/oz, February highs and lows

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Gold Drops Below $1100/oz

Gold is trading back below its highly psychological $1100/oz level amid weakness in the Cable and Aussie. Gold’s large leg down during today’s Asia trading session is a bit mysterious since the precious metal exhibited a relative weakness. That being said, investors should keep an eye on activity in the Dollar. Investors will have their eyes fixed on U.S. New Home Sales and Bernanke’s Congressional testimony. Statements from Bernanke have the potential to create considerable volatility in the FX markets. Hence, should Bernanke give any hints regarding a tighter monetary policy from the Fed, this could favor the Dollar and place further downward pressure on gold. On the other hand, should Bernanke reiterate a loose monetary policy for the foreseeable future the risk trade may be able to continue its stabilization and keep gold around $1100/oz. However, the risk trade is tilting lower ahead of Bernanke, so it will be interesting to see how today’s trading session plays out. Meanwhile the psychological $1100/oz level could continue to have an influence on gold. Volatility in the FX markets could continue tomorrow with the release of Durable Goods Orders along with statements from King and Bernanke. Investors should also keep an eye on the EUR/USD and Cable and their ability to hold above February lows.

Technically speaking, gold faces multiple downtrend lines along with intraday and 2/22 highs. As for the downside, gold has multiple uptrend lines serving as technical cushions along with 2/18 lows and the highly psychological $1100/oz level should it be tested.

Present Price: $1094.25/oz

Resistances: $1096.04/oz, $1098.51/oz, $1100.74/ oz, $1106.18/oz, $1107.91/oz

Supports: $1093.81/oz, $1091.58/oz, $1089.87/oz, $1087.66/oz, $1085.21/oz, $1083.25/oz

Psychological: $1100/oz, $1125/oz, February highs and lows

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Gold Sinks with Negative Global Data

Gold is trading well off Monday highs as investors exit the risk trade in the wake of more negative fundamental data from around the globe. The selloff began with weaker than expected French Consumer Spending and German Ifo Business Climate data from the EU along with discouraging UK BBA Mortgage Approvals data. Additionally, the U.S. just reported a sizable step back in CB Consumer Confidence. Hence, the fundamental picture is altogether negative today, resulting in sizable pullbacks in the USD/JPY, EUR/USD, and Cable. The negative reaction of the risk trade is dragging gold lower due to its usual negative correlation with the Greenback. It will be interesting to see whether the EUR/USD and Cable can hold above previous February lows and salvage their previous upward momentum, for another setback in the risk trade could weigh on gold due to correlative forces. However, gold is still trading above $1100/oz, which has proven to be an influential psychological zone in the past. The U.S. will release New Home Sales tomorrow in succession with Bernanke’s Congressional testimony. As a result, volatility could increase in the next 24 hours as investors look for further insight from Bernanke in regards to the Fed’s future monetary policy plans.

Technically speaking, gold faces multiple downtrend lines along with intraday and 2/22 highs. As for the downside, gold has multiple uptrend lines serving as technical cushions along with 2/18 lows and the highly psychological $1100/oz level should it be tested.

Present Price: $1106.10/oz

Resistances: $1106.18/oz, $1107.91/oz, $1110.64/ oz, $1113.36/oz, $1116.08/oz, $1118.31/oz

Supports: $1103.46/oz, $1100.74/oz, $1098.51/oz, $1096.04/oz, $1093.81/oz, $1090.84/oz

Psychological: $1100/oz, $1125/oz, February highs

Monday, February 22, 2010

Gold Consolidates with Risk Trade

Gold is holding strong well above Friday lows and its highly psychological $1100/oz. However, the precious metal is trading off of Friday highs as the risk trade consolidates across the board. We recognize profit taking in the EUR/USD and Cable. That being said, these two currency pairs still have quite an uphill battle to face on the route to recovery from this year’s surge in the Dollar. Gold is performing well considering the uncertainty in the risk trade and the precious metal’s negative correlation with the Greenback. On the other hand, gold’s resilience could also signal that the risk trade is oversold. Therefore, investors should keep an eye on activity in the major Dollar pairs to determine whether we are witnessing a real bottom in the risk trade or just another bounce. Much of that will depend on upcoming economic data releases and whether there is more unexpected news from the EU’s PIIGS nations. Furthermore economic uncertainty in the EU could lead investors back towards the Dollar and out of gold. Gold broke through some key downtrend lines over the past few trading sessions, meaning momentum is pointing in favor of the topside. However, FX markets have been extremely volatile lately, meaning the tide has the potential to turn quickly.

Technically speaking, gold faces multiple downtrend lines along with 2/17 and 2/19 highs. As for the downside, gold has multiple uptrend lines serving as technical cushions along with 2/18 lows and the highly psychological $1100/oz level should it be tested.

Present Price: $1121.10/oz

Resistances: $1121.19/oz, $1123.67/oz, $1126.15/ oz, $1128.21/oz, $1130.93/oz, $1133.40/oz

Supports: $1117.32/oz, $1115.34/oz, $1113.61/oz, $1111.63/oz, $1107.91/oz, $1105.93/oz

Psychological: $1100/oz, $1125/oz, February highs

Friday, February 19, 2010

Gold Holds Above $1100/oz Despite Dollar Rally

Gold managed to hold above Thursday’s lows and the highly psychological $1100/oz level despite broad-based strength in the Dollar in reaction to the Fed’s surprise decision to raise the discount rate. The Fed’s decision shocked FX markets after the bell, sending investors rushing towards the Dollar after interpreting the Fed’s announcement as a signal that the exit strategy from loose liquidity has begun. Although gold did experience sizable down-bars on the 4-hour, the pullback wasn’t nearly as intense as what occurred in the EUR/USD. Hence, stability in gold could signal an overreaction in the major Dollar pairs. However, should the risk trade continue its freefall gold may be inclined to follow suit due to its usual negative correlation with the Greenback. Regardless, resilience in gold the past 24-48 hours has been interesting and should be watched by investors. Meanwhile, volatility in the FX markets could remain volatile over the near-term considering the extent of this week’s pullback. Trading ranges could be wide until the Dollar settles and a new normal is established. However, it remains to be seen whether this will translate into gold’s activity.

Technically speaking, gold faces multiple downtrend lines along with 2/18 and 2/17 highs. As for the downside, gold has multiple uptrend lines serving as technical cushions along with 2/18 lows and the highly psychological $1100/oz level should it be tested.

Present Price: $1114.30/oz

Resistances: $1115.98/oz, $1117.72/oz, $1119.70/ oz, $1121.19/oz, $1123.67/oz, $1126.15/oz

Supports: $1114.24/oz, $1112.01/oz, $1110.03/oz, $1108.29/oz, $1106.56/oz, $1103.33/oz

Psychological: $1100/oz, $1125/oz, February highs and lows