Investors are waiting to see if the US Federal Reserve speeds up its tapering at the end of its two-day meeting
15 December 2021 - 07:50
bySeher Dareen
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Bengaluru — Gold prices were flat on Wednesday after a sharp drop in the previous session, as investors waited to see if the US Federal Reserve speeds up its tapering at the end of a two-day meeting later in the day.
Spot gold was little changed at $1,769.92/oz by 3.54am GMT after a near 1% drop on Tuesday, while US gold futures fell 0.1% to $1,769.90/oz.
“It looks like there’s some pre-FOMC [Federal open market committee] positioning flowing towards a defensive against rates,” said Stephen Innes, managing partner at SPI Asset Management.
“If you look at stocks, if you look at gold, everything is sort of rotating out of anything that could have a negative connotation if the US rates start to rise again.”
Traders are watching the US Federal Reserve to see whether it accelerates tapering of its bond buying programme and brings forward its projections for interest rate rises.
Reduced stimulus and interest rate hikes tend to push government bond yields up, raising the opportunity cost of holding bullion, which bears no interest.
“Even in a hawkish pivot, gold could end the year somewhere between $1,750 and $1,800 if the Fed moves to three dots. If it’s two dots, I think it becomes supportive for gold, but I don't think there’s an outright rallying cry for bullion investors right now,” Innes said.
The European Central Bank (ECB), the Bank of England (BoE) and the Bank of Japan (BoJ) are also scheduled to meet this week.
Asian markets were flat, while the dollar held firm.
Silver fell 0.2% to $21.88/oz and platinum slipped 0.2% to $917.98, while palladium rose 0.7% to $1,633.14.
Support our award-winning journalism. The Premium package (digital only) is R30 for the first month and thereafter you pay R129 p/m now ad-free for all subscribers.
Gold unchanged ahead Fed meeting
Investors are waiting to see if the US Federal Reserve speeds up its tapering at the end of its two-day meeting
Bengaluru — Gold prices were flat on Wednesday after a sharp drop in the previous session, as investors waited to see if the US Federal Reserve speeds up its tapering at the end of a two-day meeting later in the day.
Spot gold was little changed at $1,769.92/oz by 3.54am GMT after a near 1% drop on Tuesday, while US gold futures fell 0.1% to $1,769.90/oz.
“It looks like there’s some pre-FOMC [Federal open market committee] positioning flowing towards a defensive against rates,” said Stephen Innes, managing partner at SPI Asset Management.
“If you look at stocks, if you look at gold, everything is sort of rotating out of anything that could have a negative connotation if the US rates start to rise again.”
Traders are watching the US Federal Reserve to see whether it accelerates tapering of its bond buying programme and brings forward its projections for interest rate rises.
Reduced stimulus and interest rate hikes tend to push government bond yields up, raising the opportunity cost of holding bullion, which bears no interest.
“Even in a hawkish pivot, gold could end the year somewhere between $1,750 and $1,800 if the Fed moves to three dots. If it’s two dots, I think it becomes supportive for gold, but I don't think there’s an outright rallying cry for bullion investors right now,” Innes said.
The European Central Bank (ECB), the Bank of England (BoE) and the Bank of Japan (BoJ) are also scheduled to meet this week.
Asian markets were flat, while the dollar held firm.
Silver fell 0.2% to $21.88/oz and platinum slipped 0.2% to $917.98, while palladium rose 0.7% to $1,633.14.
Reuters
Asian markets brace for more hawkish tone from the Fed
Oil falls amid worry about supply outstripping demand
European shares firm as investors ‘buy the dip’
Oil reverses Monday’s declines
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