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Gold prices slide for second week as traders assess Trump's impact on U.S. interest rates

Gold prices slide for second week as traders assess Trump's impact on U.S. interest rates
Gold prices slide for second week as traders assess Trump's impact on U.S. interest rates

2024-11-08 12:35:27 - From: Shafaq News


Shafaq News/ Gold prices fell onFriday and were headed for a second straight weekly fall as traders assessedthe impact of Donald Trump's presidency and its implications for U.S. interestrates.

Spot gold fell 0.7% to $2,687.65 perounce as of 0645 GMT and has slid nearly 2% this week. Prices hit overthree-week lows on Wednesday in the aftermath of Trump's U.S. presidentialelection win, but rebounded by over 1% a day later.

The U.S. dollar index was set for aslight weekly gain after Trump's election victory. A stronger dollar makesbullion more expensive for overseas buyers.

"The gold market was waitingfor a trigger to prompt some liquidation. There is some kind of uncertainty onthe trajectory of U.S. rate cuts and that's why we are seeing this pullback ingold," said Soni Kumari, a commodity strategist at ANZ.

The Federal Reserve cut interestrates by 25 basis points on Thursday, as was expected, but indicated a carefuland measured approach to any further reductions. Chair Jerome Powell said thepresidential election results would have no "near-term" impact onmonetary policy.

Traders see a 71% chance of another25-bps cut in December.

Bullion is considered a hedgeagainst inflation, but higher rates raise the opportunity cost of holding thecommodity.

"During Trump's initial term inoffice, gold rallied, and his policies are unlikely to undergo significantchanges," said Hugo Pascal, a precious metals trader at InProved.

"Running a higher deficit,putting tariffs in place are both inflationary measures, which should bepositive for gold."

Elsewhere, Beijing concludes itsfive-day meeting of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congresslater in the day, which investors are closely watching for more details onstimulus measures.

Spot silver fell 1.39% to $31.55 perounce, platinum fell 0.95% to $987.75 and palladium shed 1.51% to $1,009.00.

(REUTERS)