FX.co ★ Gold Slips as Investors Eye US Data

Gold prices declined to approximately $4,060 per ounce on Wednesday, retracting some of the gains achieved in the prior session. This movement is attributed to investors' caution ahead of significant economic announcements. Notable among these are the FOMC meeting minutes scheduled for release later today, followed closely by Thursday’s employment report; both could shed light on future interest rate directions. Following the government's recent shutdown, US agencies are resuming the dissemination of delayed data. Recently, claims for unemployment benefits in the United States reached a two-month peak in mid-October, with ongoing claims increasing to 1.9 million for the week concluding on October 18. Although these figures have slightly enhanced hopes for an interest rate cut in December, there is an undercurrent of concern among investors. They are wary that upcoming data may limit the Federal Reserve’s capacity to further ease rates, especially given the skepticism expressed by policymakers. Additionally, worries about high valuations in the tech sector have dampened risk appetite, which might enhance gold’s attractiveness as a safe-haven asset amid the persistent sell-off in equity markets.