Gold Holds Premium Above the Gap — Bullish Continuation OANDA:XAUUSD on the 30-minute timeframe is currently trading in a strong bullish continuation structure following an impulsive expansion higher. The recent rally created a clear price gap and FVG (Fair Value Gap) / imbalance zone, which now plays a critical role in guiding the next directional move.
After the aggressive upside impulse, price has transitioned into a tight consolidation above the gap, showing strength rather than weakness. Importantly, sellers have failed to force a deep retracement back into the imbalance, which is a classic sign of bullish acceptance at higher prices.
The 4,560–4,520 zone represents a key bullish demand and imbalance area. As long as price holds above this region, the structure remains constructive. The projected path suggests a potential controlled pullback into the upper portion of the FVG, followed by renewed buying interest.
Above current price, liquidity is clearly resting near:
4,601 – short-term resistance and range high
4,630 – major upside target and next liquidity objective
This price behavior reflects institutional-style accumulation, where the market pauses above inefficient pricing before continuation, rather than immediately retracing deeply.
Bullish scenario (preferred): As long as price holds above the FVG / gap zone (4,520–4,560), look for continuation toward 4,601, with extension toward 4,630.
Bearish invalidation: A clean breakdown and acceptance below 4,520 would signal a deeper correction and invalidate the immediate bullish continuation setup.
Overall, Gold remains structurally bullish on the lower timeframe. This is a patience game — continuation setups are favored after shallow pullbacks, not from chasing impulsive candles.
