Information Summary:
Most traders are turning their attention to the crucial US labor market report, which is being closely watched as the market actively searches for new clues regarding the timing of the next interest rate cut this year.
The July non-farm payrolls report will be released at 8:30 AM US time. US non-farm payrolls increased by 110,000 in July, seasonally adjusted, lower than the 147,000 increase in June. The US unemployment rate is expected to rise from 4.1% to 4.2% in July.
If the non-farm payrolls figure falls below 100,000 and the unemployment rate rises, it could signal a weakening job market, undermining the Fed’s rekindled hawkish outlook and dampening the dollar’s upward momentum. In this scenario, gold prices could re-cross the 3,400 mark. However, if the non-farm payrolls unexpectedly exceed 150,000, it could support the dollar’s continued rise and hurt gold. Strong US employment data could rule out two rate cuts from the Fed this year.
Market Analysis:
Quaid believes that the current moving average crossover is trending downward, and downward momentum is still in play. The RSI remains at 42.7, hovering below the midline, indicating that gold’s downward trend remains intact. The 20-day moving average fell below the 50-day moving average on Wednesday, confirming the bearish momentum.
Therefore, if gold closes below the key support level of the 100-day moving average at $3,270 on a weekly basis, a new downtrend could begin, potentially leading to a drop towards the June 30 low of $3,248.
Quaid believes that the current bull-bear watershed needs to focus on around 3315, which is the previous intensive trading area and is also the first resistance position for short-term upward movement.
On the last trading day of Super Data Week, Quaid hopes that everyone has gained something and has a happy weekend; I wish you all good luck.
