Gold (XAU/USD) stages a modest recovery from the $4,800 mark, or the lowest level since February 6, touched during the Asian session on Thursday, amid a modest downtick in the US Dollar (USD). Moreover, heightened geopolitical uncertainties turn out to be another factor offering some support to the safe-haven bullion. However, the US Federal Reserve’s (Fed) hawkish outlook could limit deeper USD losses and cap the non-yielding yellow metal, warranting caution for bullish traders.
Energy infrastructure in Persian Gulf countries came under attack today following Israeli strikes on Iran’s South Pars natural gas field – the world’s largest. In response, US President Donald Trump issued a stark warning of potential large-scale retaliation tied to energy infrastructure. Adding to this, the Trump administration is reportedly exploring options to expand its military campaign against Iran and is considering deploying thousands of US troops to reinforce its operation in West Asia. This marks a significant escalation in the conflict and continues to weigh on investors’ sentiment, which, in turn, benefits traditional safe-haven assets, including Gold.
Meanwhile, data published by the US Labor Department on Wednesday showed that the headline Producer Price Index (PPI) rose 0.7% in February, following a 0.3% increase in the previous month. Adding to this, the yearly rate jumped to 3.4%, marking the largest 12-month advance since February 2025. Moreover, the US central bank raised the year-end inflation outlook (PCE), citing risks from higher energy prices due to the Iran war. The Fed also upgraded its 2026 growth projection and projected only one rate reduction this year, and one in 2027. This, in turn, favors the USD bulls and should keep a lid on the attempted recovery in the Gold price.
Traders might also opt to wait for more policy updates from the Swiss National Bank (SNB), the Bank of England (BoE), and the European Central Bank (ECB), which should infuse volatility in the financial markets. Apart from this, the US economic data – the usual Weekly Initial Jobless Claims and the Philly Fed Manufacturing Index – might provide some impetus to the Gold price. Nevertheless, the fundamental backdrop warrants some caution before confirming that the XAU/USD pair has formed a near-term bottom and is positioning for a further appreciating move.
XAU/USD 4-hour chart
Gold rebounds from 61.8% Fibo. level amid oversold RSI; not out of the woods yet
Last Friday’s breakdown below the $5,040-$5,035 confluence – comprising the 200-period Exponential Moving Average (EMA) on the 4-hour chart and the 38.2% Fibonacci retracement level of the February-March move higher – was seen as a key trigger for the XAU/USD bears. Moreover, the Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) histogram has turned negative again with the line slipping below the signal line under the zero mark, suggesting renewed downside momentum after a brief pause.
Meanwhile, the Relative Strength Index (RSI) at 27.86 stays below 30, showing oversold conditions, yet the persistent weakness favors selling pressure over a meaningful rebound for now. Hence, any further move up is likely to confront resistance at the $4,919.61 area, where the 50.0% retracement level aligns as the first cap on recovery attempts. This is followed by the 38.2% Fibo. retracement at $5,037.25 near the 200-period EMA, reinforcing a stronger barrier if prices bounce.
On the downside, the recent trough around $4,843 becomes initial support, ahead of the $4,801.97 level at the 61.8% retracement, which would be the next bearish objective if sellers extend their control. A clear break below $4,801.97 would expose the broader $4,634.48 support at the 78.6% retracement, where oversold readings could encourage profit-taking on short positions.
(The technical analysis of this story was written with the help of an AI tool.)
Gold FAQs
Gold has played a key role in human’s history as it has been widely used as a store of value and medium of exchange. Currently, apart from its shine and usage for jewelry, the precious metal is widely seen as a safe-haven asset, meaning that it is considered a good investment during turbulent times. Gold is also widely seen as a hedge against inflation and against depreciating currencies as it doesn’t rely on any specific issuer or government.
Central banks are the biggest Gold holders. In their aim to support their currencies in turbulent times, central banks tend to diversify their reserves and buy Gold to improve the perceived strength of the economy and the currency. High Gold reserves can be a source of trust for a country’s solvency. Central banks added 1,136 tonnes of Gold worth around $70 billion to their reserves in 2022, according to data from the World Gold Council. This is the highest yearly purchase since records began. Central banks from emerging economies such as China, India and Turkey are quickly increasing their Gold reserves.
Gold has an inverse correlation with the US Dollar and US Treasuries, which are both major reserve and safe-haven assets. When the Dollar depreciates, Gold tends to rise, enabling investors and central banks to diversify their assets in turbulent times. Gold is also inversely correlated with risk assets. A rally in the stock market tends to weaken Gold price, while sell-offs in riskier markets tend to favor the precious metal.
The price can move due to a wide range of factors. Geopolitical instability or fears of a deep recession can quickly make Gold price escalate due to its safe-haven status. As a yield-less asset, Gold tends to rise with lower interest rates, while higher cost of money usually weighs down on the yellow metal. Still, most moves depend on how the US Dollar (USD) behaves as the asset is priced in dollars (XAU/USD). A strong Dollar tends to keep the price of Gold controlled, whereas a weaker Dollar is likely to push Gold prices up.
