Gold prices have risen sharply in the Thursday session. In the North American session, the spot price for one ounce of gold is $1260.68, up 1.40% on the day. On the release front, U.S. unemployment claims rose to 214 thousand, just under the forecast of 216 thousand. The Philly Fed Manufacturing Index dropped sharply to 9.4 in November, down from 12.9 a month earlier. This was the lowest level since November 2016. Friday will be busy, with the release of Final GDP, durable goods orders and consumer confidence.
The U.S dollar is in full retreat on Thursday, and gold has taken advantage, posting sharp gains. Gold has punched past the $1260 line for the first time since early July. The catalyst for the strong gains was investor disappointment over the Federal Reserve rate statement. A rate hike had been expected, and the Fed delivered with a quarter-point hike, the fourth of the year. Investors were also looking for a Christmas gift from the Fed, in the form of a dovish rate statement. There was speculation that the Fed would “compensate” investors, given that the markets have been in turmoil for weeks and the U.S. economy appears to be cooling down.
However, the Fed was not in a giving mood, signaling that it plans to continue raising rates in 2019. Policymakers did not remove the phrase “further gradual increases” from their statement, and Fed Chair Jerome Powell added that the “lower end” of the neutral rate range has been achieved. Investors had counted on a more dovish stance from the Fed and responded with a thumbs-down. Equity markets are down sharply on Thursday and investors have snapped up safe-haven assets like gold.
