Gold’s strong run in 2017 came even as U.S. stock markets surged to records and the Federal Reserve increased interest rates three times amid signs of an improving economy. Fed policy makers are projecting another three hikes in 2018, while other central banks around the world have also shifted toward a tighter monetary stance, with the European Central Bank planning to halve its asset purchases starting this month. Higher rates can make non-interest-bearing assets such as gold less competitive.
“As global complacency over the trajectory of U.S. rates continues to be astoundingly low, precious metals in general should continue to benefit,” Jeffrey Halley, senior market analyst at Oanda Corp. in Singapore, said in a note. “The old adage that the market can stay irrational longer than you can stay solvent appears to be alive and well in the gold market at the moment.”
Bullion’s 14-day relative strength index was at 73.4, up from 69.1 on Friday and above the level of 70 that can indicate that an asset may be set for a decline. “The relative strength index is now at very overbought levels,” Halley said.
Among releases that investors will scrutinize this week for clues on the direction of monetary policy are minutes of the Federal Open Market Committee’s December meeting, due on Jan. 3. U.S. nonfarm payrolls and average hourly earnings data will be issued on Jan. 5.
In other precious metals:
Silver also rose as platinum and palladium advanced. Palladium futures for March delivery added 2.5 percent to $1,087.35 an ounce on the New York Mercantile Exchange, biggest gain since Oct. 11. Gold futures for February delivery climbed 0.5 percent to settle at $1,316.10 an ounce.
Written by Ranjeetha Pakiam and Jasmine Ng with assistance from Luzi Ann Javier.
