Investing.com-- Gold prices rose above key levels in Asian trade on Thursday, extending gains from the prior session after the Federal Reserve said it was done raising interest rates and projected lower borrowing costs in 2024.
The central bank kept rates on hold, as widely expected, and said it would likely cut interest rates by a bigger-than-expected margin in 2024, citing clear progress towards bringing inflation back within its 2% annual target.
The move spurred widespread speculation over the potential timing of the Fed’s cuts, and also sparked steep losses in the dollar, which came close to a four-month low.
Gold benefited from this trade, retaking the coveted $2,000 an ounce level as the prospect of lower U.S. interest rates pushed up the yellow metal’s appeal.
Spot gold rose 0.2% to $2,031.88 an ounce, while gold futures expiring in February surged over 2% to $2,046.45 an ounce by 23:50 ET (04:50 GMT).
Still, the yellow metal remained well below record highs of over $2,100 an ounce hit earlier this month, as markets remained uncertain over just when the Fed will begin trimming rates.
Fed sings dovish, but timing of rate cuts unclear
The Fed said that interest rates had now peaked at 5.4%, and that the central bank will cut rates at least thrice in 2024 to 4.6%. Fed Chair Powell said that while it was too soon to declare victory over inflation, he still projected a lower inflation outlook for 2023.
The Fed’s dovish signaling sparked increased speculation over when the bank will begin cutting rates. Fed fund futures prices showed that traders were pricing in an over 70% chance the Fed will cut rates by 25 basis points in March 2024.
Traders are also considering a 67% chance for another 25 basis point cut in May.
But uncertainty over the rate cuts is likely to temper optimism in the coming months, especially as strength in the U.S. economy could still trigger increases in inflation. Recent data showed consumer price index inflation remained sticky in November, while the labor market also remained strong.
Higher rates increase the opportunity cost of investing in gold, and had battered the yellow metal over the past year.
While the prospect of lower rates also comes amid growing optimism over a soft landing for the U.S. economy, any further deteriorating in global economic conditions- particularly in Europe and China- could also spur safe haven demand for gold.
Copper muted as China jitters dampen Fed optimism
Among industrial metals, copper prices were flat on Thursday as persistent concerns over an economic slowdown in top importer China largely offset optimism over lower interest rates.
Copper futures expiring March fell 0.1% to $3.8332 a pound. They were still sitting on a 1.3% rally from Wednesday, although this was largely due to a weaker dollar.
Concerns over China remained in play following a string of weak economic readings for November, as markets feared a slowdown in copper demand. China slipped further into disinflation territory, while lending activity also remained languid.
Focus is now on more economic signals from the country due this Friday- industrial production and retail sales.
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