Gold Prices Rise Amid Fed Rate Cut Speculation
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- Last Updated: 18 Dec 2025 at 10:26 PM IST
Over the weekend and into Monday morning, gold prices edged higher, buoyed by renewed expectations of a Federal Reserve rate cut in December and a rise of weak economic data that reignited concerns about global growth. Investors, seeking refuge amid mounting uncertainty, returned to the metal after weeks of choppy trading and mixed macro indicators.
Gold prices are recovering as traders adjust their interest rate expectations and interpret fresh cues from economic data and central bank statements. U.S. employment and consumer confidence data have heightened concerns about the economic recovery's pace, prompting markets to expect a Federal Reserve policy adjustment.
For investors, the question now is: Can gold sustain this upward momentum if growth concerns deepen, or will profit-taking pressure it before the December policy meeting?
Weekend Snapshot: Gold’s Momentum Reignited
Here’s a brief overview of recent gold price shifts alongside notable economic events influencing sentiment:
Fri, 7 Nov | Continued worries over U.S. growth and rising rate-cut odds for the Federal Reserve | around $4,000.84 |
Sat, 8 Nov | Traders hold elevated expectations for Fed easing amid soft economic data | around $4,000.73 |
Sun, 9 Nov | Safe-haven flows and modest dollar weakness support bullion | around $4,010.72 |
Mon, 10 Nov | Gold edges higher ahead of policy cues as rate-cut probability remains elevated | around $4,046.18 |
Key Drivers Behind The Rally
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The greatest catalyst is the increased optimism regarding the possibility of a rate cut in December. The CME FedWatch Tool pegs the probability near 67%, signalling strong expectations of policy easing. The decreasing interest rates make yield bearing assets less appealing and therefore, the gold becomes more attractive.
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The data in the U.S. labor market in October showed loss of jobs in the government and retail sectors. The increase of layoffs, some of which are driven by cost-reduction and the implementation of AI, has fueled recession anxieties.
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U.S. consumer confidence dropped to its lowest level in nearly three and a half years amid unease over the prolonged 40-day government shutdown, the longest in U.S. history. The resulting hit to public services and spending sentiment weighed on the overall market outlook.
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As optimism grew that the U.S. Senate might soon end the shutdown. The dollar weakened slightly, adding fuel to gold’s rise. A softer greenback typically boosts demand for dollar-priced bullion.
Investor Positioning And Physical Market Trends
The stocks of the SPDR Gold Trust, the largest gold-backed ETF globally, increased 0.16% to 1,042.06 tonnes, which gave stability of inflows as investors seek to hedge against possible reduction of interest rates and growth risks.
Conversely, the Asian physical market demand was fatigued. The Indian buyers were hesitant to make purchases when prices were fluctuating and the dealers were forced to provide higher discounts before the wedding season. The retail demand of China became weak too, as the tax regulations were changed that affected the affordability.
Silver Joins The Rally
Silver mirrored gold’s move higher, rising 1.1% to $48.84 per ounce, its best level in months. Analysts say silver is benefiting from both its safe-haven appeal and industrial demand, making it a standout performer among precious metals.
What Could Influence Gold’s Next Move?
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Fed’s December Decision Looms Large: A confirmed move to cut rates may further boost gold’s upward momentum, whereas a hawkish signal might cause prices to retreat.
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Economic Health Check: The forthcoming figures on labor markets, retail spending, and inflation will shed light on the depth of the ongoing slowdown.
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Currency Movements: The direction of the U.S. dollar remains a key short-term determinant for gold’s path.
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Investment Flows: Gold's status as a hedge against uncertainty can be maintained by steady ETF inflows and Asian physical demand.
Final Take: Gold’s Safe-Haven Status Restored
Gold’s climb illustrates how fast market moods can change when interest rate expectations and economic fears intersect. The precious metal remains a preferred haven as policy uncertainty increases and data points to economic weakness. Volatility remains, especially if data contradict the soft-landing story or the Fed delays rate relief. For now, gold's resiliency comes from its ageless position as a hedge against growth and policy uncertainty. The key question for investors: Will the Fed’s December decision fuel gold’s next leg higher, or will stronger data pull the shine back toward the dollar?
