Gold Hits Record High On Weak Us Economic Data

Spot gold climbed 1.9 percent to $2,021.74 per ounce by 10:48 a.m. EDT (14:48 GMT) after reaching its highest since March 9, 2022 of $2,024.79 earlier. U.S. gold futures gained 2 percent to $2,040.80.

Tracking gold’s gains, other precious metals also jumped. Silver jumped 3.7 percent to $24.88 per ounce, platinum gained 2.8 percent to $1,013.60, while palladium was up 1.2 percent to $1,477.66.

Burnishing gold’s appeal, especially amongst traders holding other currencies, the dollar added to its losses after data showed U.S. job openings in February dropped to a near two-year low while factory orders also dipped.

“With the weaker than expected economic data, it portends that the Fed will be in fact closer to the end of its interest rate cycle, and we’ve seen yields drop along with the dollar and that continues to foster a higher gold price,” said David Meger, director of metals trading at High Ridge Futures.

A surge in oil prices this week after a surprise output cut by OPEC has helped zero-yield gold, traditionally considered the preferred inflation hedge, shake off the usual pressure from the likelihood of further interest rate that could be implemented to rein in rising price pressures. 

Markets now see about a 40 percent chance of the Federal Reserve hiking rates by a quarter basis point in May, with a roughly 60 percent chance of a pause.

But Han Tan, chief market analyst at Exinity, said more rate hikes could still cause gold to unwind some of its recent gains.