Gold futures experienced a downturn on Thursday, September 28, as market participants grappled with concerns over the Federal Reserve (Fed) potentially keeping interest rates elevated for an extended period in a bid to combat inflation.
Gold’s Decline
Gold futures registered a decline of $12.30 per ounce, representing a decrease of 0.65% from its previous closing price, ultimately settling at $1,878.60 per ounce. The precious metal has now encountered losses for four consecutive trading sessions, as investors fret about the possibility of the Fed maintaining higher interest rates for an extended duration.
In contrast, silver futures managed to eke out modest gains, rising by 1.70 cents or 0.07% to conclude at $22.741 per ounce. Platinum futures displayed more substantial growth, surging by $18.80, equivalent to a 2.10% increase, to reach a closing price of $915.10 per ounce. Palladium futures experienced the most significant jump, soaring by $54.80, or 4.47%, to settle at $1,278.50 per ounce.
Fed’s Stance on Interest Rates
The prevailing anxiety in the gold market stems from the Federal Reserve’s perceived intention to maintain high interest rates for an extended period. During their meeting on September 20, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) decided to keep short-term interest rates within the range of 5.25% to 5.50%, in line with expectations. However, it was the policy interest rate forecast, often referred to as the “Dot Plot,” that sent shockwaves through the financial markets.
In the Dot Plot, Fed officials indicated a potential increase in interest rates by one more time by the end of the current year. This represents a departure from the Fed’s initial projections, which had suggested the likelihood of more than two interest rate hikes in 2024. The revised Dot Plot suggests a commitment by the Fed to maintain higher interest rates for an extended period, primarily to counter inflationary pressures.
Crucial Data Release
The financial world now has its sights set on the imminent release of the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) Price Index for August in the United States. The PCE Index holds significant importance for the Federal Reserve as it serves as a key measure of inflation. Unlike the Consumer Price Index (CPI), the PCE Index offers a more comprehensive perspective on price movements, encompassing a wider array of goods and services, thus providing a more holistic view of inflation trends.
Analysts are currently anticipating a 3.5% year-on-year increase in the headline PCE index for August, up from 3.3% in July. Additionally, they are expecting the core PCE index, which excludes food and energy categories, to witness a year-on-year increase of 3.9% for August, down from 4.2% in July. These figures underscore the mounting concerns surrounding inflationary pressures, further fueling the debate over the Fed’s approach to interest rates.
As investors and analysts closely monitor developments in interest rates and inflation, the future trajectory of gold and other precious metals remains highly contingent on the Federal Reserve’s actions and the broader economic landscape.
The Spot Market is Open
Friday, September 29, 2023
| Metals Updated at | USD Bid/Ask | Ounce Change | Low/High |
| Gold 10.30 | 1,862.60 1,863.60 | -1.70 -0.10% | 1,862.60 1,867.70 |
| Silver 10.30 | 22.80 22.90 | +0.19 +0.86% | 22.58 22.95 |
| Platinum 10.30 | 911.00 921.00 | +5.00 +0.55% | 905.00 923.00 |
| Palladium 10.20 | 1,250.00 1,310.00 | +6.00 +0.43% | 1,242.00 1,315.00 |
| Rhodium 05.00 | 3,450.00 4,450.00 | 0.00 0.00% | 3,450.00 4,450.00 |