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Gold Safe-Haven Appeal Hangs in the Balance Amidst NFP Report

Gold NFP Report

Stay informed on gold prices as XAU/USD awaits guidance from the US Nonfarm Payrolls(NFP) report. Geopolitical risks impact market trends.

In the world of commodities, gold prices (XAU/USD) are currently in limbo as investors eagerly anticipate insights from the upcoming US Nonfarm Payrolls (NFP) report. The yellow metal, known for its safe-haven appeal, may see movement based on the outcomes of this economic indicator.

As the clock ticks toward the 13:30 UK unveiling of the monthly US Jobs Report, analysts anticipate a potential slowdown in nonfarm payrolls, introducing a layer of uncertainty to the market. The comprehensive survey, covering approximately 486,000 individual worksites, provides intricate details on employment, working hours, and earnings. Projections for the December report suggest the addition of 150,000 new jobs, with an anticipated uptick in the unemployment rate to 3.8%. The Federal Reserve, closely monitoring these labor market conditions, will scrutinize the data as it contemplates the timing of its first interest rate cut in the new year.

Gold Safe-Haven Appeal Hangs in the Balance Amidst NFP Report

Meanwhile, the haven status of gold may find support in the face of escalating global geopolitical risks. Ongoing conflicts, such as the Russia/Ukraine war, heightened tensions between China and Taiwan, Israel’s military actions in the Gaza Strip, and disruptions in major shipping chokepoints in the Red Sea, could all contribute to an increased demand for gold as a safe-haven asset.

As the market braces for the NFP report, gold remains relatively calm at the start of Friday’s trading session. The Commodity Channel Index (CCI) indicator reading and the current $8/oz are neutral. The trading range represents about one-third of the latest 14-day Average True Range (ATR) reading. At the same time, support is around $2,032/oz. If the NFP numbers reveal a stronger-than-expected labor market, increasing the level held during an earlier test this week may be necessary to deter sellers. The market identifies the next level of support at $2,009/oz.

Retail trader data reveals that 57.48% of traders are net-long, with the long-to-short ratio at 1.35 to 1. When comparing this data to previous days and weeks, it shows a 2.50% decrease in net-long traders from yesterday and a 4.17% decrease from last week. On the other hand, net-short traders have increased by 7.82% from yesterday but decreased by 2.23% from the previous week.

Taking a contrarian view of crowd sentiment, the prevalence of net-long traders suggests that gold prices may continue to experience downward pressure.

It is essential to monitor how IG Retail Trader data changes can influence overall sentiment and subsequent price action.

Gold Market Snapshot: MIXED

Change InLongsShortsOI
Daily-2%1%-1%
Weekly0%-5%-2%
Currently, 57% of clients are net-long.

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