Gold drifts lower on firmer dollar, Fed rate outlook. Should you buy?
Live MintGold prices in domestic and international markets edged lower on Wednesday as traders assessed chances of the US Federal Reserve raising interest rates just once more in May before pausing. Markets are pricing an 86 per cent chance the Fed raises rates by 25 basis points at the May meeting, and are winding back expectations of cuts later in the year – moves that have put the brakes on US dollar selling. “While that may provide an anchor for gold prices, given the recent rally and overextended technical conditions, the possibility of some unwinding upon validation of the Fed's rate outlook may still remain on the table.” Gold is considered a hedge against inflation, but higher interest rates dim the non-yielding asset's appeal. The Fed should continue raising interest rates on the back of recent data showing inflation remains persistent while the broader economy seems poised to continue growing, even if slowly, St. Louis Fed President James Bullard said on Tuesday.