Gold price edges lower on the back of persistent inflation concerns

• Gold price edges lower on the back of persistent inflation concerns as data shows stubborn inflation in both Europe and America. 
• The precious metal has weakened amid expectations interest rates will remain higher for longer in the US. 
• The US Federal Reserve meeting in May could color the outlook for interest rates, impacting Gold price.  

The Gold price (XAU/USD) edges lower on Monday, trading in the $2,330s an ounce, on the back of inflation concerns caused by recent data from the US and Europe which showed stubbornly high inflation persisting. 

In Europe, HICP data, which is the European Central Bank's (ECB) prefered inflation gauge, showed inflation in both Germany and Spain failed to come down in April. This follows data out of the US last week that indicated inflation remaining high in the first quarter. 

The data in turn suggests both the ECB and Federal Reserve (Fed) may need to keep interest rates elevated for longer than previously thought in order to combat inflation. Higher inflation is negative for Gold price as it increases the opportunity cost of holding Gold which is non-yielding. 

Gold price comes off highs on interest rate outlook

The Gold price has broadly been trading sideways over the last week after a backslide from record highs of $2,430 in mid-April, when it became apparent interest rates would remain higher for longer in the United States. This made non-yielding Gold less attractive because investors could earn relatively more by staying in cash. 

Persistently high inflation in the US caused the recalibration of the outlook for interest rates. From the US Federal Reserve (Fed) – the body tasked with setting interest rates in America – foreseeing the need for three 0.25% interest-rate cuts in 2024, markets now expect only one and a half 0.25% cuts, due to persistently high inflation. 

More light will be shed on the outlook for interest rates when the Fed meets to decide its monetary policy on Wednesday, in the meantime Gold price may remain relatively subdued. 

Gold price may drift lower in the short-term but will eventually recover – TD Securities

Gold price is likely to drift lower in the short-term if economic data stays firm and inflation persists but this is unlikely to last into the autumn, according to analysts at investment bank TD Securities. 

“..once we start seeing disappointment or negative data surprises, investors may start getting interested again into the autumn,” says Bart Melek, Head of Commodity Strategy at TD Securities. 

“Once Western demand is combined with China uptake, it is quite likely that the yellow metal will move above recent record levels. Under this scenario, $2,500+ target would be reasonable,” adds Melek. 

Technical Analysis: Gold price pulls back in an uptrend

Gold price (XAU/USD) is showing a mixed picture on the 4-hour chart, which technical analysts use to analyze the short-term trend. 

Gold 4-hour Chart

On the one hand, the sell-off that began at the April 19 highs could still have lower to go. In such a scenario the move could be unfolding as a three-wave Measured Move pattern with its third and final C wave yet to unfold. 

On the other hand, a break above the cluster of Moving Averages and the peak of wave B at $2,353 would potentially usher in a new more bullish environment. This could then see a retest of $2,400.

A break below $2,290, however, would confirm more downside as wave C unfolds, with targets at $2,267 and $2,243. 

The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) momentum indicator is printing green histogram bars but has not yet risen above zero, giving a neutral to marginally positive stance. 

Additionally, the trend for Gold price is up both in the medium and long-term, supporting bulls.