Gold is expected to continue its decline next week!

On Friday, gold prices retreated from a three-week high, and a strange phenomenon occurred: the US dollar index and gold fell together. Recent strange occurrences include the end of the US government shutdown triggering a retreat in safe-haven demand, directly weakening some of gold's safe-haven appeal, yet gold continued to rise instead of falling. Then, the decline in the US dollar index, which should have supported gold prices, resulted in both gold and the dollar falling on Friday. While the reopening of the US government provided a short-term boost to market sentiment, the temporary funding agreement failed to resolve the fundamental issues. The bill only extends the federal government's operations until January 30, 2026, with some departments receiving funding until September 30, 2026. The risk of a government shutdown remains for the next few weeks, keeping market sentiment fragile and hindering a sustained recovery in risk appetite. Spot gold faced significant selling pressure. It fell as low as $4032 during the session, closing around $4085, a daily drop of approximately 2.07%, erasing most of the week's gains after retreating from Thursday's three-week high of $4245. Gold prices retreated from a three-week high as momentum waned. The dollar stabilized after Federal Reserve officials signaled caution regarding further monetary easing. Technically, a sustained break below $4,050 could trigger a pullback towards the $4,000 level.

According to the CME FedWatch Tool, the market is currently pricing in a 49% probability of a December rate cut, a significant drop from 94% a month ago. Traders will be watching for speeches from Federal Reserve officials later today, which could further influence interest rate expectations. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics announced a revised timeline Friday afternoon. The agency also stated that a September jobs report will be released on November 21 (next Friday). The Census Bureau said it will release its delayed September construction spending, inventory, and international trade data early next week. The Bureau of Economic Analysis has not yet indicated when it will release its preliminary third-quarter GDP figures. Other government reports showing September retail sales, wholesale prices, and trade data are likely to be released relatively quickly, as statistical agencies had already collected most of this information before the government shutdown and only need to process it. The positive impact of the end of the US government shutdown has diminished some of gold's safe-haven appeal. Meanwhile, a series of cautious comments from Federal Reserve officials prompted traders to lower their expectations for a December rate cut. The cooling prospect of short-term easing has pushed the dollar higher after its recent weakness, putting additional pressure on the non-yielding metal. Traders are currently awaiting delayed US economic data to gain a clearer picture of the Fed's monetary policy outlook. At the same time, renewed concerns about overvaluation in the artificial intelligence sector have weighed on global stock markets and dampened risk appetite, which could limit gold's downside as it moves towards a weekly rally.


Gold Weekly Analysis:

Gold experienced significant volatility this week. It surged in the first half of the week, but then nearly returned to its starting point in the last two days due to news events. Gold tested the 4245 level at the end of the week, and the end of the US government shutdown and hawkish comments from Federal Reserve officials led to a sharp correction, reaching a low of around 4032 before rebounding and consolidating. From a daily chart perspective, gold closed lower this week, with a nearly $180 swing on Friday, indicating significant downward pressure and a easing of bullish sentiment. However, I believe the bulls haven't completely lost control, and this could be seen as a short-term correction driven by fundamental factors. The key support level to watch is around 4000; if this level holds, the market may continue to consolidate. A decisive break below this level would target 3930 and the previous low of 3886. If we consider a 1:1 ratio on the daily chart, the downside target is around 3756. Without significant negative news, I believe the short-term outlook is somewhat challenging. However, if the price retests the support around 3885, bullish sentiment could vanish, and the overall trend will likely shift towards a correction. Therefore, the key levels to watch are 4000 and 3885. Holding these levels would open up further upside potential; otherwise, the bullish momentum may temporarily end.

From a daily chart perspective, yesterday's Asian session saw a strong rally to around 4211 before retreating. Influenced by selling after the shutdown, the US session saw a sharp drop to around 4032, a decline of approximately $180, resulting in a bearish close for the day. Based on the current trend, Monday should be viewed as bearish. Daily resistance is around 4155; if there's a rebound next week, this would be an ideal entry point for shorting. However, the overnight high was around 4111, so any downward movement will likely occur below this level. 1-hour resistance is around 4110; if this level holds on Monday, shorting is a viable strategy. The initial downside target is around 4065-4055, with a further target of 4032-4000 if it breaks below. Consider going long if the 4000 level holds, and if it breaks below, look for opportunities to go short on rallies. In summary, today's short-term trading strategy for gold is primarily to sell on rallies, with buying on dips as a secondary approach. Key resistance levels to watch are 4097-4100, and key support levels are 4030-4000. Traders must follow the trend closely. Manage your position size and stop-loss orders carefully, strictly adhere to stop-loss orders, and never hold losing positions.