Gold prices held steady on Thursday, as traders awaited a key speech by Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. The metal is seen as a safe haven asset and often rises when investors are worried about the economy.
Powell is scheduled to speak at the Jackson Hole Economic Symposium on Friday. His speech is closely watched by investors for clues about the future direction of monetary policy.
The Fed is expected to raise interest rates later this year, but the pace of hikes is uncertain. Powell’s speech could provide some clarity on this issue.
Gold prices are also being supported by rising inflation. Inflation in the United States is at a 40-year high, and this is making gold more attractive as an investment.
However, gold prices are also facing headwinds from a strong dollar. The dollar has been rising in recent weeks, and this is making gold more expensive for buyers who use other currencies.
Overall, gold prices are expected to remain volatile in the near term. The Fed’s decision on interest rates and the direction of inflation will be the key factors that will influence the price of gold.
Here are some other factors that could affect gold prices in the near future:
- The outcome of the U.S. presidential election
- The global economic outlook
- The performance of other safe haven assets, such as Treasuries
- The supply and demand for gold