Macro Drivers: USD Strength vs. Rate Cut Expectations
Gold (XAU/USD) is trading with modest intraday weakness below recent monthly highs, yet the broader structure remains constructive as geopolitical risks and rate-cut expectations counterbalance USD strength.
Despite Tuesday’s pullback and partial retracement of prior gains, the metal continues to hold above the critical $5,150 zone, signaling that bearish conviction lacks strong follow-through.
Macro Drivers: USD Strength vs. Rate Cut Expectations
The recent USD uptick follows a relatively hawkish tone from the Federal Reserve.
Minutes from the January FOMC meeting indicated that several officials prefer to see clearer progress on disinflation before resuming policy easing. Additionally, Fed Governor Christopher Waller suggested rates could remain on hold if labor market data stabilizes.
This has supported the Dollar and pressured non-yielding assets like gold.
However, markets continue to price in approximately three 25 bps rate cuts this year according to CME FedWatch probabilities. This keeps a structural tailwind under gold, preventing aggressive downside positioning.
In short:
• Fed tone = cautious
• Market pricing = still dovish
• Result = two-way volatility, not collapse
Geopolitics: Iran Risk Premium Still Active
Beyond monetary policy, geopolitical risk remains a meaningful support pillar.
Ongoing US-Iran nuclear negotiations and the proximity of military escalation timelines have preserved safe-haven demand. Even if tariffs and trade noise fade, Middle East tensions continue to underpin defensive flows.
This explains why gold bears appear hesitant despite USD strength.
Technical Structure: Bulls Still in Control (For Now)
On the 4-hour structure:
• Break above $5,100–$5,110 confirmed bullish continuation
• 61.8% Fibonacci retracement zone acting as pivot support
• Price holding above rising 200-period SMA (~$4,910)
Momentum indicators show moderation but not reversal:
• MACD remains positive
• RSI near 65 – easing from overbought, not bearish
Key Levels to Watch:
🔹 $5,143–$5,150 → Weekly pivot / tone setter
🔹 $5,314 → 78.6% Fib resistance
🔹 $5,600 → Broader upside magnet if breakout sustains
🔹 $4,910 → Structural support (200 SMA)
As long as gold holds above $5,143 on a sustained basis, the path of least resistance remains higher.
Market Sentiment: Cautious, Not Fear-Driven
Current positioning reflects measured caution rather than panic.
• Equity markets showing relative stability
• Dollar strength contained, not accelerating
• Defensive flows steady, not disorderly
• No signs of forced liquidation in metals
This is structured capital allocation — not emotional buying.
The absence of aggressive follow-through selling despite USD strength signals that downside conviction remains limited.
Tariffs: Noise, Not the Core Driver
Recent tariff headlines and Supreme Court developments created volatility, but structurally they appear secondary.
The stronger drivers remain:
Fed rate cut timelineUSD trajectoryIran geopolitical outcome
Tariff headlines may trigger short-term swings, but they are unlikely to dictate the primary trend.
Conclusion: Structure Intact, But Data-Dependent
January’s sharp pullback now appears more like a structural reset rather than a trend reversal.
Gold remains technically constructive above the $5,143 pivot zone, with $5,600 back in focus if geopolitical risk persists and the Fed leans toward easing later in the year.
However, sustained USD strength combined with a hawkish Fed repricing could reintroduce range-bound conditions.
For now:
The uptrend is intact.
Momentum has moderated.
Conviction depends on upcoming macro data and geopolitical developments. This is a market balancing act — not a breakout panic phase.
⚠️ Disclaimer
This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always conduct your own research before trading derivatives or cryptocurrencies.
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