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Gold prices edged slightly lower on Thursday, after US unemployment figures came in below market expectations, suggesting a slightly stronger economy and less pressure for a loosening of monetary policy.
Prices initially pushed higher to $2,035 an ounce in early morning deals, but it was downhill from the morning peak, with prices dropping as low as $2,020 an ounce by late afternoon.
US initial jobless claims figures were released Thursday showing that the number of people claiming unemployment benefits in the US fell by 12,000 to 201,000 in the week ending February 17, well below market expectations of 218,000, and marking the lowest unemployment level for five weeks.
US stock markets were also higher on Thursday, contributing to the bullish picture of the economy. Any signs of a stronger-than-expected economy tend to ease the pressure on central banks to cut interest rates, allowing more leeway to maintain a hawkish stance on monetary policy for longer. The prospect of an extended period of higher interest rates is bearish for gold because it raises the opportunity cost of holding non-yield-bearing assets like precious metals.
Looking ahead, the immediate outlook for macroeconomic data releases is light, although the markets may pay some attention to the German Ifo Business Climate figures for February due for release on Friday, providing a snapshot of the health of the EU’s powerhouse economy. Beyond that, eyes will be on Monday’s speech by ECB President Christine Lagarde for clues on the EU economy and the central bank’s monetary policy stance.
Frank’s experience covering the commodities markets spans 22 years, with a particular specialism in metals, carbon and energy markets. He has worked as a senior editor for S&P Global Commodity Insights (formerly Platts) and before this, at ICIS-LOR, a part of Reed Business Information (Reed Elsevier), where he covered the petrochemicals markets from 2003 to 2005.
