Gold Rush Alert: Fed Rate Cut Imminent – Will Prices Soar to $2580
- Gold prices surged to a new record high on Friday, September 13, as traders increased their bullish bets ahead of the Federal Reserve's interest rate cut next week.
- This year, gold prices have risen by more than a quarter, driven by the Federal Reserve's monetary easing policies.
- According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, Federal Reserve policymakers are considering whether to lower interest rates by a quarter of a percentage point or opt...
Gold Prices Hit Record High Ahead of Federal Reserve’s Interest Rate Cut
Gold prices surged to a new record high on Friday, September 13, as traders increased their bullish bets ahead of the Federal Reserve’s interest rate cut next week. The price of gold rose to US$2,586.09 and was trading at US$2,578.36 per ounce at press time.
This year, gold prices have risen by more than a quarter, driven by the Federal Reserve’s monetary easing policies. Central bank buying and strong safe-haven demand from conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine have also contributed to the increase in gold prices. Additionally, retail investor interest has been on the rise.
According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, Federal Reserve policymakers are considering whether to lower interest rates by a quarter of a percentage point or opt for a half-percentage reduction. Swap traders have raised the possibility of a sharp rate cut by the U.S. central bank at its meeting next Wednesday.
In response to the potential interest rate cut, gold traders are betting that the price of the precious metal could rise further. Lower interest rates are generally good for non-interest-bearing bullion, and total open interest in Comex gold futures has increased significantly over the past few trading days.
Daniel Ghali, senior market strategist at TD Securities, attributed the rise in gold prices to new highs to market bets on a 50 basis point interest rate cut. Bob Haberkorn, senior market strategist at RJO Futures, noted that some investors are turning to gold as a safe-haven asset in a risk-appetite environment.
Investors unwinding bearish bets on gold may also be driving gold prices higher. The latest data shows that the total short position of fund managers in Comex gold futures reached the highest level in four weeks in the week ended September 3.
Expectations of global central banks easing monetary policy have also driven investors to hold gold ETFs, a key factor in driving gold prices to record highs. Data compiled by Bloomberg show that total gold ETF holdings increased 0.3% this month, rising for three consecutive months since June.
John Reade, chief market strategist at the World Gold Council, emphasized the importance of gold in a risk-appetite environment.
Gold prices are expected to continue rising as investors seek safe-haven assets in a volatile market. With the Federal Reserve’s interest rate cut next week, gold traders are betting on a further increase in the price of the precious metal.
Stay up-to-date with the latest gold prices and market trends to make informed investment decisions.