By Ahmad Assiri

Gold surged 1.9%, reclaiming the $2,600 per ounce level as a weaker dollar and easing U.S. Treasury yields paved the way for a rebound. The U.S. Dollar Index slipped 0.45% to close at 106.15, while fixed-income purchases softened bond yields, boosting the yellow metal’s attractiveness. After a steep 9% decline from recent highs due to a stronger dollar and rising yields, gold is regaining its footing as market dynamics shift.

Geopolitical risks have reemerged, driving demand for gold and solidifying its role as a reliable hedging asset. The market is witnessing diverging opinions on gold’s future trajectory, with estimates suggesting it could retest lower levels if the Fed resumes rate cuts, contingent on upcoming economic data related to inflation and the labor market.

Conversely, a $3,000 mark remains plausible if central banks significantly ramp up their gold purchases into 2025. This divergence underscores the uncertainty surrounding gold’s next range, influenced by global economic conditions and policy shifts. Yet, lingering uncertainty over monetary policy and the broader economic outlook continues to amplify gold’s appeal as a hedge against volatility.

Assiri is Research Strategist at Pepperstone