Gold Steadies Below Record High Ahead of US Jobs Data

Gold prices surged 2% to $4,090 per ounce on Wednesday, rebounding from near eight-month lows, as investors parsed comments from new Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh and fresh US-Iran tensions raised doubts about Middle East stability. Speaking at the ECB’s annual forum in Sintra, Portugal, Warsh acknowledged that inflation risks and expectations have eased in recent weeks but reaffirmed the Fed’s commitment to returning inflation to its 2% target. He emphasized the central bank’s focus on price stability, a stance he first outlined in his debut press conference last month. Warsh also reiterated his decision to abandon traditional "forward guidance" on interest-rate policy, marking a shift in the Fed’s communication approach. Despite this, investors continued to bet on US rate hikes this year to curb inflation amid a robust labor market. Meanwhile, markets monitored updates from US-Iran peace talks in Qatar, though direct negotiations between the two sides remained unlikely.

Gold slipped below $4,000 an ounce on Wednesday, trading near its lowest level in almost eight months as strong US economic data underscored the economy’s resilience and reinforced expectations that the Federal Reserve will raise interest rates this year. The latest JOLTS report showed job openings climbed to a two-year high, while analysts expect another solid increase in June non-farm payrolls. Meanwhile, recent core inflation readings remained well above the Fed’s 2% target. Markets are now pricing in at least one Fed rate hike this year, with the first potentially coming as early as September. Investors also awaited updates from the ongoing US-Iran peace talks in Qatar amid hopes for a lasting ceasefire agreement, although the two sides were not expected to hold direct talks.

Gold was at $4,030 per ounce on Tuesday, holding near their lowest in nearly eight months as restrictive monetary policy by the Fed was combined with a reversal of the dollar debasement trade. Gold was set to drop 11% in Q2, its worst quarter in decades. Strength in recent economic data consolidated a backdrop that supports the hawkish view of a large portion of FOMC members. The JOLTS pointed to the highest number of job openings in two years and analysts have penciled another sharp month of non-farm payroll gains in June. On top of that, the latest core inflation prints remained departed further from the Fed's 2% target. The aggressive pullback for gold was aligned with the elevated yields for Treasury notes and bonds, favoring coupon-bearing assets instead of bullion. Fed Chairman Warsh announced the pending creation of task forces to evaluate the need for the central bank's large balance sheet, setting the stage for the bond-selling that he has campaigned for previously.