Gold holds near record highs amid economic and geopolitical uncertainties

LONDON (January 14) Gold (XAU/USD) regains a positive footing on Wednesday after a shallow pullback from record highs the previous day, as lingering economic and geopolitical uncertainties continue to underpin safe-haven demand.

At the time of writing, XAU/USD trades around $4,635, hovering just below the fresh all-time high near $4,639 set earlier in the day.

The yellow metal is up more than 2.5% so far this week, supported by concerns over the Federal Reserve’s (Fed) independence and rising unrest in Iran, which have revived fears of possible United States (US) involvement and the risk of wider regional instability.

Markets are also closely watching Washington’s renewed interest in Greenland, with high-level talks scheduled later on Wednesday.

Further support has come from signs of easing inflation pressure in the US. Data released on Tuesday showed that core Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose less than expected, reinforcing expectations that the Fed can continue along a gradual easing path.

Looking ahead, the US economic docket features Producer Price Index (PPI) and Retail Sales data, along with several Fed speakers later on Wednesday, which could offer fresh cues on the monetary policy outlook.

Market movers: Markets digest US CPI, Fed outlook, and rising geopolitical risk

• US headline CPI rose 0.3% MoM in December, in line with expectations and unchanged from November, keeping the annual rate steady at 2.7%. Core CPI increased 0.2% MoM, below the 0.3% forecast. On a yearly basis, core inflation stood at 2.6%, below the 2.7% forecast.
• According to a BHH report, progress toward the Fed’s 2% inflation goal is stalling. But upside risks to prices are fading, leaving room for the Fed to lower the funds rate toward more neutral levels around 3%. Fed funds futures currently price little chance of a rate cut at the next three FOMC meetings (January, March, and April), with the next full 25-basis-point cut not priced in until the June 17 meeting.
• US President Trump renewed his attacks on Fed Chair Jerome Powell after the inflation data, calling the numbers “great” and pressing for rate cuts. His remarks come as markets remain unsettled by reports of a criminal investigation tied to Powell’s testimony on the Fed’s headquarters renovation, keeping concerns over central bank independence in focus.
• Risks of possible US military action in Iran have risen after President Donald Trump said in a post on Truth Social on Tuesday, “Iranian Patriots, KEEP PROTESTING — TAKE OVER YOUR INSTITUTIONS!!!… HELP IS ON ITS WAY,” adding that all meetings with Iranian officials are cancelled until the violence ends. Trump has previously indicated that military action remains an option if Tehran continues its crackdown.
• Markets are also on alert for a possible US Supreme Court ruling later on Wednesday on the legality of President Donald Trump’s use of emergency tariff powers.
• St. Louis Fed President Alberto Musalem said on Tuesday there is “little reason for further easing of policy in the near term” and that policy is “well positioned to balance risks on both sides.” He added that the latest inflation reading was encouraging and supports the view that inflation could converge toward 2% this year.

FXStreet