Gold under pressure as Fed hawkish outlook weighs
NEW YORK (March 19) Gold (XAU/USD) extends its decline on Thursday, slipping to over a one-month low as shifting near-term macroeconomic dynamics overshadow its traditional safe-haven appeal, despite heightened geopolitical tensions from the ongoing US-Israel war with Iran.
At the time of writing, XAU/USD is trading around $4,605 after briefly dipping to a low near $4,502, as the US Dollar and Treasury yields retreat and limit the downside, though the metal remains on the back foot for a seventh consecutive day.
Gold has remained under sustained downside pressure since Middle East tensions escalated, as the surge in Oil prices triggered fresh inflation concerns, reinforcing the global “higher-for-longer” interest rate narrative, which reduces the appeal of the non-yielding metal. This view was further supported by the Federal Reserve’s (Fed) hawkish monetary policy stance on Wednesday, driving the latest leg lower in bullion.
Fed maintains interest rates, flags inflation risks
The Fed kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 3.50%-3.75%, as widely expected, and maintained a data-dependent approach going forward while highlighting risks to both sides of its dual mandate. However, the updated dot plot still points to one rate cut in 2026, while inflation forecasts were revised higher, with US Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) inflation projected at 2.7% by December 2026, up from 2.4% previously.
According to the FOMC statement, job gains have remained modest, the unemployment rate has changed little in recent months, and inflation is still somewhat elevated. The committee also noted that the economic impact of Middle East developments is uncertain.
Fed Chair Jerome Powell struck a hawkish tone, warning that elevated inflation largely reflects goods prices, which have been boosted by tariffs. He said higher energy costs could lift inflation in the near term and inflation expectations have risen amid the war in Middle East. While the median rate path was unchanged, Powell pointed to a shift toward fewer rate cuts and said the Fed needs to see progress on inflation before cutting rates again.
Against this backdrop, traders scaled back Fed rate-cut expectations, with markets no longer fully pricing in even a 25-basis-point (bps) cut by year-end.
Meanwhile, rising Oil prices have also supported the Greenback, as crude is priced in USD, encouraging demand for cash and weighing on Gold.
Energy infrastructure targeted as Middle East conflict deepens
Geopolitical tensions escalated after Iran launched missile strikes on a site in Qatar, one of the world’s largest LNG facilities, following an Israeli attack on Iran’s South Pars gas field. Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Kuwait also reported Iranian strikes on energy infrastructure.
US President Donald Trump said Israel acted out of “anger” and would not target the South Pars gas field again. However, he warned that the US could “blow up the entirety of the South Pars gas field” if Iran launches further attacks on Qatar’s LNG facilities.
A joint statement from the UK, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Japan on Thursday said they are ready to take steps to stabilise energy markets, including working with major oil-producing countries to increase supply. The statement also said they are prepared to help ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz
FXStreet
