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Gold Prices Firm on Election Uncertainty, Weaker USD Drives Demand

Updated: Nov 7

Gold prices remain resilient as financial markets are heading into the U.S. presidential election and one of the highly-anticipated Federal Reserve rate decisions. Political uncertainty, lingering geopolitical tensions, and the weakness of the USD underpin the safe-haven status of the yellow metal. The article will take a look at some reasons behind resilient gold prices and what investors can expect in the days to come.


Gold Prices Firm on Election Uncertainty, Weaker USD Drives Demand

Key Takeaways:

  • Gold price continued higher owing to the U.S. election and the weak USD.

  • Political uncertainty surrounding the U.S. presidential election drove safe-haven demand for Gold higher.

  • This may also be further leveraged by any upcoming decision of interest rates by the Federal Reserve.

  • Participants in the market were interested in the levels of support and resistance, the level from which Gold determines to go higher or lower.



U.S. Election Uncertainty Drives Gold Prices


Political Risk Sends Gold Demand Higher

The coming US presidential election has just set the wheels in motion for huge turmoil in the financial markets. As the race between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump is close according to polls and betting platforms, investors head for haven assets like gold. Historically, whenever there is high political uncertainty, the price of gold rises as investors try to take shelter from possible market turbulence.



The recent development in the betting markets, with Harris gaining on Trump, only increases the risk factor. "Whatever the outcome of the election, the perception of possible policy changes has set a backdrop where gold prices are likely to stay supported," said some analysts.


Safe-Haven Appeal Amid Election Tensions

Geopolitical tensions, meanwhile, including continued unrest in the Middle East, have pointedly underscored gold's safe-haven appeal. One could also include domestic political risks, like speculation of contested results or delays in announcing a winner. Therefore, what stability we see in the price of gold reflects a market that is in preparation for layer upon layer of potential volatility.



Weaker USD and Its Impact on Gold Prices


Why the USD is Falling before the Election

The USD has weakened as betting markets and recent economic data move in Harris's favor. This was linked to less anticipation of a "Trump trade" rally, through which his policies are known to be dollar-friendly via tax cuts and tariffs that come under reassessment. With the likelihood of a Republican sweep in Congress going down, the USD has slid, making gold a better offer for investors.


According to market analyst Tony Sycamore, the chance of a red sweep collapsed, and this has sent the dollar weaker as traders reassess possible fiscal policies later in the future. In turn, USD strength has badly dented gold prices, as it often moves inversely to the USD.



Federal Reserve Policies' Role in Currency Movement


Another important event that might impact the USD and, therefore, the price of gold, is the policy meeting of the Federal Reserve on November 7. A 25-basis-point rate cut has already been priced in by the markets, which, if confirmed, would be in line with the dovish stance that normally weighs on the dollar. A weaker dollar improves the outlook for non-yielding assets such as gold and could drive the gold price upward.


Analysts at ANZ are of the view that, in light of election uncertainties and questions over future fiscal paths, the Fed will refrain from being too aggressive in the rate recalibration. This may extend the frail dollar environment, providing further tailwinds to the gold price.


Market Preview: Gold Prices and Future Trends


Key Levels to Watch in Gold

Technically, gold remains well-placed above key levels. Analysts pinpointed $2,715 as the critical support, while resistance is eyed in at $2,790-$2,800. If it continues to maintain the current pace, a crack higher than the psychological $2,800 level could open up the doors to record highs.



On the other hand, continuous trades below the $2,715 support might have the price retreat back towards a major turning point at $2,624. It will all depend on close levels being watched by traders. And especially so now when election results are already expected to affect the wider market sentiment.


Broader Market Implications: Relative Performance of Gold against Other Safe-Haven Assets


The price of gold has firmed, but so have other safe-haven assets such as the Japanese yen and Swiss franc. What sets gold apart is that it has traditionally proved resilient in the face of economic and political turmoil. By contrast, other supposedly safe assets-a category into which US Treasury bonds normally fall-could come under pressure due to shifting yields or wider market responses to both the election and the decisions of the Fed.



Conclusion: Trends to Watch for Gold Prices

With markets set for a crucial week due to the U.S. presidential election and a possible Fed rate cut, gold prices will be in focus. The political uncertainty, along with a weak USD, and more importantly, the cautious approach by the Fed towards monetary policy-in all these factors, interest in gold as a safe-haven asset seems to stay. Investors must remain vigilant about key price levels and broader market cues to maneuver this chaotic landscape.

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