Gold Price Outlook Fixated on Trade War Risk, FOMC Minutes

London (May 19)  On Thursday we highlighted how spot gold prices dropped from a 1-month high as yields rebounded along with risk appetite. Gold faced further weakness during Friday’s trading session as short-term interest rates climbed higher along with the US Dollar in response to a robust Consumer Sentiment report. Gold was subsequently dragged lower considering American consumers reportedly feel the most optimistic in 15 years with rebounding inflation expectations – a development that may help keep Fed rate cut prospects at bay. 
 

The risk that markets are overpricing the probability that the Fed cuts rates this year could weigh negatively on gold if reversed. Wednesday’s release of the latest FOMC meeting minutes could trigger traders to develop a more hawkish perception of the Fed which would threaten XAUUSD due to the prospect of higher future interest rates. This in additional to weak gold chart technicals merges with the possible further weakness in the Chinese Yuan – all of which could serve as headwinds to gold. 

Although, markets will likely obsess over US China trade war developments next week which will likely fuel risk appetite. Ultimately, this looks to largely dictate whether or not gold can catch a safe-haven bid from traders fleeing risk which could push XAUUSD higher.

DailyFX