Gold prices slipped in Asian trade on Friday, signalling the metal’s first weekly decline in 10 weeks. Spot gold fell about 0.4% to $4,109.55 an ounce, while U.S. futures eased 0.5% to $4,123.70.
According to historical data, spot gold had reached an all-time high near $4,381.29 per ounce earlier in the week.
The more than 3% weekly setback follows nine consecutive weeks of gains, propelled by expectations of monetary easing and safe-haven demand amid global tension. Profit-taking and a stronger dollar combined to erode the momentum.
Key drivers: inflation, trade-talks and safe-haven shifts
Investors are now laser-focused on the forthcoming U.S. consumer price index (CPI) release, a critical gauge for the Fed’s policy outlook.
A softer-than-expected CPI could strengthen hopes for a rate cut, supporting non-yielding gold. Conversely, a hot print might bolster the dollar and Treasury yields, undercutting bullion.
Meanwhile, a meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping next week has raised hopes of eased trade tensions between the world’s two largest economies. That development dampens part of gold’s safe-haven appeal.
Additional headwinds include a strong U.S. dollar, which makes gold more expensive for foreign buyers and tends to inhibit gains. With the dollar on track for its own weekly gain, buying interest outside the U.S. is under pressure.
What lies ahead for bullion and markets
Despite this week’s reversal, many analysts maintain a constructive longer-term outlook for gold. Key supporting factors:
- Expectations of lower U.S. interest rates in the quarters ahead
- Persistent geopolitical uncertainty supporting safe-haven demand
- Central-bank accumulation and strong retail appetite in key markets
On the flip side, near-term risks are tangible:
- A strong U.S. inflation print could force the Fed into a more hawkish stance
- A sustained dollar rally could suppress gold returns
- Reduced geopolitical risk or trade-war thaw may reduce the urgency of bullion flows
In essence, while gold’s nine-week rally may be pausing, the underlying structural drivers remain relevant. The near-term direction hinges on inflation prints and central-bank policy cues. Investors navigating this space should remain attuned to those factors—and be prepared for heightened volatility.
