Gold prices climbed in early Asian trading, extending last week’s rally after touching a near two-month high as the U.S. dollar and Treasury yields retreated. The shift followed less hawkish signals from the Federal Reserve, which cut interest rates and outlined additional liquidity measures that loosen financial conditions.
Spot gold advanced 1% to $4,343.62 an ounce, while March gold futures rose 1.1% to $4,375.80. The broader metals complex moved in tandem, reflecting improved risk-adjusted returns for non-yielding assets when rates and yields fall. Gold’s appeal strengthened further as investors reassessed the health of the U.S. economy following the Fed’s latest guidance.
Silver remained a standout performer, trading just shy of record levels after a sharp run-up last week. Platinum also gained ground, supported by broader commodity strength and improved sentiment toward precious metals.
Liquidity Boost Pressures Dollar, Yields
The Fed’s latest policy steps have reshaped near-term market expectations. Alongside the rate cut, the central bank signaled it will begin purchasing short-dated Treasuries at a monthly pace of $40 billion starting in December, a move aimed at stabilizing funding markets and supporting liquidity.
That stance has weighed on the dollar and pushed yields lower, both of which typically support gold prices. A softer greenback makes dollar-denominated commodities cheaper for overseas buyers, while declining yields reduce the opportunity cost of holding bullion.
Key market drivers currently supporting metals include:
- Weaker U.S. dollar following dovish Fed communication
- Lower Treasury yields, improving gold’s relative appeal
- Heightened economic caution, lifting haven demand
- Strong momentum in silver, reinforcing sector-wide interest
At the same time, the Fed’s actions have prompted investors to question the durability of U.S. growth, adding another layer of support for defensive assets such as gold.
U.S. Jobs, Inflation Data in Focus
Attention now turns to two critical U.S. data releases that could shape expectations for the next phase of monetary policy: nonfarm payrolls and consumer price index (CPI) inflation.
The jobs report, delayed by an extended government shutdown in October and November, is due Tuesday, followed by CPI figures on Thursday.
Markets will be watching closely for evidence of cooling labor demand and easing inflation pressures, the Fed’s two primary criteria for further rate cuts. These releases will also be among the first comprehensive readings available after the shutdown disrupted several key economic reports.
Other precious metals reflected the cautious optimism:
- Spot silver: up 1.6% to $62.99, near a record high
- Spot platinum: up 1.8% to $1,781.09
If the data confirm a softer inflation and employment backdrop, gold could remain well supported near current levels. Conversely, any upside surprise may test the metal’s resilience after its recent surge.
