Gold continues to trade just below $2,000 an ounce with the precious metal set to record a second monthly gain on the back of investors’ rush to safe havens earlier in the month.
While gold may have dipped slightly from the highs achieved earlier in April, there remains plenty of support for the haven asset while market confidence is still so fragile. A broadly positive set of corporate earnings has failed to have a detrimental impact on the gold price – illustrating investors’ medium-term concerns about the health of the global economy and the banking sector.
As we look ahead to May, next week’s Federal Reserve interest rate decision on Wednesday followed by the European Central Bank on Thursday is likely to set the early tone for gold. While both banks are expected to increase their rates by 25 basis points, the commentary that supports these moves will have a significant impact on how long gold can remain at these elevated levels.
After a strong run in March and April, gold investors will be hoping that next week’s hikes, particularly that of the Fed, are close to the final ones in this current cycle of increasing interest rates. If that does prove to be the case, then gold has sufficient support to keep it trading in the high $1,900s for the foreseeable future while hints of further hikes needed may push it back down towards $1,900.
Rupert is a Market Analyst for Kinesis Money, responsible for updating the community with insights and analysis on the gold and silver markets. He brings with him a breadth of experience in writing about energy and commodities having worked as an oil markets reporter and then precious metals reporter during the seven years he worked at Bloomberg News.
As well as market analysis, Rupert writes longer-form thought leadership pieces on topics ranging from carbon markets, the growth of renewable energy and the challenges of avoiding greenwash while investing sustainably.
This publication is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a solicitation, offering or recommendation of any security, commodity, derivative, investment management service or advisory service and is not commodity trading advice. This publication does not intend to provide investment, tax or legal advice on either a general or specific basis.
